Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Visit to Mogadishu: A Step Toward Reconciliation
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu on February 27, 2025, to promote reconciliation with Somalia, following the Ankara Declaration. The agreement emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ethiopia will send 2,500 troops to support the Somali army against jihadism. Turkey plays a pivotal role in mediating relations in the region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu on February 27, 2025, where he was welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. This visit marks a significant step toward reconciliation between Ethiopia and Somalia following the signing of the “Ankara Declaration” in December, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Ankara Declaration establishes a commitment to mutual respect for sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity between both nations. Importantly, it also led Ethiopia to withdraw a controversial memorandum recognizing Somaliland’s independence, previously described by Somalia as an infringement on its territorial integrity.
Under the terms of the declaration, Somalia has agreed to facilitate Ethiopia’s access to the sea under its sovereign authority. Additionally, Ethiopia has committed to deploying 2,500 troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will support the Somali military against jihadist threats.
Turkey maintains a military presence in Somalia, enhancing its role as a mediator in the region. The easing of tensions between Ethiopia and Turkey has been facilitated by political alignments between Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party and Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, culminating in a delegation from Ethiopia attending the 8th AKP Congress in Turkey.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu signifies a revival of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, solidified by the Ankara Declaration. This agreement prioritizes mutual sovereignty and territorial integrity while establishing a framework for Ethiopian military support in Somalia. The ongoing collaboration exemplifies Turkey’s influential position in facilitating peace in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.fides.org
