Somalia and Ethiopia Establish Military Pact Indicating Improved Relations
Somalia and Ethiopia have formed a new military agreement that emphasizes respect for territorial sovereignty and aims to enhance security cooperation. This pact was formalized during meetings between military leaders and a visit by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu. The renewed relations follow previous tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s engagements with Somaliland and subsequent military agreements.
Somalia and Ethiopia have expressed their approval of a new military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). This collaboration emphasizes mutual respect for each nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The pact was formalized following a meeting between General Odowaa Yusuf Rage of the SNA and Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, coinciding with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, where it received official endorsement.
In a joint statement following Abiy’s visit, the two countries hailed the military deal as a crucial advancement in enhancing security cooperation and promoting regional stability. The leaders acknowledged that this agreement marks a normalization of bilateral relations after previous diplomatic strains. They underscored their historic ties and the importance of fostering trust through stronger diplomatic, economic, and social engagements.
The renewed collaboration follows tensions arising from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which sought access to the Red Sea, leading Somalia to sign a military pact with Egypt. Somalia also restricted the ENDF’s involvement in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) as part of its punitive measures. However, recent discussions have paved the way for Ethiopian forces to participate in AUSSOM, commencing in January, while both nations also seek mutually beneficial sea access solutions.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia in January represented a significant turning point in relations, resulting in commitments to full diplomatic representation and enhanced bilateral economic and security cooperation. Notably, Turkey played a substantial role in facilitating this reconciliation. The AUSSOM mission, involving troops from several neighboring countries, totals 11,900 personnel, although Burundi has threatened to withdraw its contingent due to disagreements over troop numbers.
The recent military pact between Somalia and Ethiopia reflects a significant thaw in their relations, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty and enhanced security cooperation. Following various diplomatic efforts, both nations are working towards stronger bilateral ties, fostering trust through economic and social cooperation. This renewed engagement marks a notable shift from previous tensions, demonstrating the potential for collaborative progress in regional stability.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
