These discussions, facilitated by Turkey, seek to resolve the discord sparked by Ethiopia's contentious agreement with the self-declared independent region of Somaliland.

The deal, perceived as a threat to Somali sovereignty, had escalated to near-conflict levels earlier this year.

The initial dialogue between the foreign ministers, which took place in early July, set the stage for these crucial negotiations.

Dr Seife Tadelle, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation, highlighted the urgency of the situation.

"The shortened appointment time in September was a major point of contention for Somalia," he explained.

Somalia's insistence on the African Union's recognition of its sovereignty is a core issue. Tadelle remains hopeful that with Ethiopian concessions, Somalia may grant sea access to Ethiopian humanitarian efforts.

--ChannelAfrica--