Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, has expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing Turkey-brokered talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, stating that the two nations are far apart on key issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In an interview with Sharqawsat newspaper, Yusuf remarked, “The positions of the two countries on the concept of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are very far from each other. The solution lies in one of the two countries abandoning its position on these issues.”

Djibouti’s Mediation Efforts

The Djiboutian minister revealed that his country had proposed secret mediation to resolve the dispute but refrained from sharing details to avoid jeopardizing its success.

He emphasized that Djibouti has continuously sought to ease tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, including organizing an IGAD summit last February and maintaining constant communication with the leaderships of both countries.

Criticism of Turkish Mediation

Yusuf noted that Turkish mediation was initiated at the request of Ethiopia, following a failed Kenyan mediation effort. He underscored Djibouti’s primary concern is the stability and security of the region, and that all diplomatic efforts should focus on achieving these goals.

Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

The Djiboutian minister’s comments come after the second round of talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, brokered by Turkey, ended without success. A third round of negotiations is scheduled for September 17, as announced by Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, during a joint press conference in Ankara.

Djibouti’s ongoing involvement highlights its critical role in regional diplomacy and its commitment to reducing tensions between its neighboring countries, despite the challenges facing the current mediation efforts.