Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed to Engage in Talks with Somali President in Mogadishu
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, following tensions over Somaliland’s controversial agreement. The visit aims to finalize negotiations under the Ankara Declaration, addressing Ethiopia’s maritime access and fostering bilateral relations amidst regional security concerns.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu shortly for important discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This trip follows the arrival of an Ethiopian advance team in the Somali capital and aims to finalize technical discussions as per the Ankara Declaration, an agreement reached through mediation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December 2024.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, signifies a pivotal moment in Ethiopia-Somalia relations, alleviating tensions that arose after Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland. The deal, which involves a 50-year lease for Ethiopian access to Somaliland’s coastline, was opposed by Somalia as it was perceived as a breach of its sovereignty. This diplomatic dispute heightened concerns of instability in the Horn of Africa, engaging nations such as Egypt and Eritrea.
The declaration commits both nations to address their disputes through constructive dialogue, affirming Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia, a landlocked country, to secure reliable and sustainable commercial access to the sea through Somali ports. Ongoing technical negotiations initiated in Ankara aim to conclude within four months, targeting specific resolutions by late spring.
An Ethiopian spokesperson highlighted Prime Minister Abiy’s forthcoming visit as a sign of his administration’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and focusing on mutual priorities. Somali officials echoed this perspective, viewing the summit as a continuation of recent diplomatic exchanges, including President Mohamud’s unexpected visit to Addis Ababa in January and Ethiopia’s defense minister’s recent trip to Mogadishu.
The visit is perceived as a diplomatic achievement for President Erdogan, who has emerged as a crucial mediator in the region. Turkey’s significant ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia, including its military base presence in Mogadishu and its past military support for Ethiopia, have facilitated these developments. Analysts suggest the agreement serves Ethiopia’s economic aspirations while enhancing Turkey’s influence in the region.
Key discussions during the trip are expected to revolve around Ethiopia’s involvement in the new African Union peacekeeping initiative in Somalia, named AUSSOM, which is set to replace the current mission. Previous tensions regarding Ethiopian troop presence due to the Somaliland dispute have lessened, allowing for continued Ethiopian participation under negotiated conditions.
This will be Prime Minister Abiy’s inaugural visit to Mogadishu since the Ankara agreement, representing an evolution in the relationship between the two nations. Their longstanding rivalry has complicated regional security matters, particularly the fight against al-Shabab. Following their discussions, both leaders will likely address the media, and additional details regarding the Ankara Declaration’s implementation may be disclosed.
The timing of the visit coincides with technical teams from both nations collaborating in Mogadishu, with Ethiopian negotiators having recently arrived to establish a preparatory framework. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi characterized the ongoing negotiations as a significant advancement, attributing this progress to mutual understanding and good faith. Although a specific date for Prime Minister Abiy’s visit remains undisclosed, security protocols have been heightened around Mogadishu’s airport and government sector in anticipation of the meetings.
In summary, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s upcoming visit to Mogadishu underscores a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Somalia. The discussions, rooted in the Ankara Declaration, aim to resolve past tensions and enhance cooperation, particularly around economic access to the sea and security initiatives in the Horn of Africa. The visit is a significant indicator of improved relations and offers hope for regional stability.
Original Source: garoweonline.com
