Dr Mohamed Osman1
1Independent Scholar, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Biography:
Mohamed is an independent scholar specializing in global governance and international security, with expertise in conflict dynamics, governance challenges, regional security frameworks, and peacebuilding efforts in the Horn of Africa. He holds a PhD in Governance and Regional Integration from Yaoundé II University, a Master’s in Peace and Security Studies, and a BA in Global Studies and International Relations. His current work explores regional tensions, state fragility, and the role of global and regional institutions in conflict management, with a particular focus on Ethiopia, Somalia, and broader stability challenges in the Horn of Africa
Abstract:
Maritime governance in the Horn of Africa faces mounting challenges as Ethiopia, a landlocked state, intensifies its quest for reliable sea access. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland sparked diplomatic friction, with Somalia—recognized internationally as the sovereign authority—contesting the agreement as an infringement on its territorial integrity. Drawing on Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) and qualitative case analysis, this paper examines how competing normative frames—sovereignty claims rooted in international law versus urgent economic imperatives—complicate maritime disputes in a region lacking robust multilateral frameworks.
The analysis further investigates Turkey’s evolving role as a foreign power mediating the standoff, focusing on how bilateral initiatives interact with existing regional mechanisms such as IGAD and the African Union. Through interviews with policy officials and an assessment of primary documents, the study illustrates how external involvement may alleviate immediate tensions yet risk marginalizing local governance norms. The findings reveal the intricate interplay of sovereignty, development needs, and foreign influence in shaping maritime security outcomes and conflict resolution strategies. By advancing debates on the efficacy of external mediation and highlighting potential policy pathways for cooperative maritime governance, this paper underscores the importance of fortified regional institutions in an increasingly contested maritime space.