Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Visits Somalia: A Step Towards Reconciliation
Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa visited Somalia for the first time since strained relations began over a naval base proposal in Somaliland. The meeting signals a movement toward reconciliation and mutual cooperation, especially concerning Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia amid concerns regarding Al-Shabaab insurgents. The two nations agreed to address their differences through technical discussions following prior escalating tensions.
On Thursday, Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa made a significant visit to Somalia, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two nations that has been strained for over a year. This visit was confirmed by Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, who did not disclose the particulars of the discussions held. Previously, tensions had escalated following Ethiopia’s proposal to establish a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, stirring fears of aggression from Mogadishu, which claims the region as part of its territory.
Ethiopia currently maintains approximately 10,000 troops in Somalia as part of a mission to combat the Islamist militant group, Al-Shabaab. However, there are concerns in Mogadishu regarding the presence of these forces, especially in light of Ethiopia’s original agreement with Somaliland, which was perceived as a threat to Somalia’s sovereignty. The preliminary accord intended to allow Somaliland to lease coastline to Ethiopia for naval and commercial purposes in exchange for its independence recognition.
In response to the existing tension, both countries reached an agreement on December 11 to collaborate towards resolving their disputes following negotiations in Turkey. This resolution established the groundwork for technical discussions to commence by the end of February. The continued presence of Ethiopian troops is crucial, given their role in supporting the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that has engaged in insurgent activities since 2007 and poses a broader threat to stability in the Horn of Africa.
The diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have historically been complex, influenced by regional power dynamics and internal conflicts. The backdrop of this visit involves Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which has sought to establish independence since 1991 but remains unrecognised internationally. This situation has not only put pressure on Mogadishu’s claims over Somaliland but has also intensified Somalia’s geopolitical alignments, drawing it closer to Ethiopia’s regional adversaries, including Egypt and Eritrea. Without the continued presence of Ethiopian troops, experts fear a significant weakening of operations against Al-Shabaab, thereby affecting regional security.
The visit of Ethiopia’s Defence Minister to Somalia signifies an important step towards mending relations between the two nations after a turbulent period marked by disagreement over Somaliland. The commitment to engage in discussions aims to alleviate tensions regarding the Ethiopian military presence and the controversial naval base agreement. Maintaining regional stability in the Horn of Africa is paramount, and both countries are aware that cooperation is critical in countering threats posed by extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
