Kenya’s Initiative for Regional Stability: Proposed Maritime Treaty Amid Ethiopia-Somalia Tensions

Kenya has proposed a regional maritime treaty to ease tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland in January to lease a portion of its coastland in exchange for recognition of the region, which claims independence from Somalia since 1991.

This deal angered Somalia, leading to concerns of further destabilization in the Horn of Africa. In April, tensions escalated when Somalia ordered Ethiopia’s ambassador to leave the country and closed Ethiopia’s consulates in Somaliland and Puntland.

Kenya’s principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, said the proposed treaty would ensure regional stability and that Somalia and Ethiopia are considering the proposal. The two countries’ leaders have been asked to meet to discuss the proposal.