Somalia and Ethiopia Seek Peace Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia to strengthen ties after a peace agreement aimed at reducing tensions. The visit follows Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland and highlights ongoing regional complexities. While the peace deal mediated by Turkey offers hope for collaboration, unclear aspects regarding sea access and military dynamics with Egypt and Eritrea remain critical factors.
On Saturday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in a move aimed at strengthening ties following a recent peace agreement designed to alleviate tensions in the Horn of Africa. This visit, made at the request of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, signifies an important step in the collaboration between the two nations, especially after the turmoil caused by Ethiopia’s prior agreement with Somaliland, which aimed to secure access to a port and military base in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence.
Despite the peace deal facilitated by Turkey, questions persist regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea and the implications of its agreement with Somaliland. Observations of ongoing tensions were marked by the meeting of Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi with counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea, highlighting a shared stance against Ethiopia’s ambitions in the region. In addition, Egypt’s Foreign Minister articulated this sentiment by stating, “The Red Sea and its security is subject only to the will of the countries on its coast, and it is absolutely unacceptable for any country not bordering the Red Sea to have a presence, whether military, naval or otherwise.” The evolving dynamics suggest a complicated interplay of alliances and rivalries in the region.
The Horn of Africa, particularly the relationships between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Somaliland, remains complex and fraught with historical grievances. Ethiopia, being landlocked, has longstanding aspirations for maritime access, which have often put it at odds with Somalia. Tensions escalated notably when Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland that sought to affirm the latter’s independence in exchange for infrastructural and military benefits. The recent peace agreement facilitated by Turkey serves to mitigate some of these tensions, though significant uncertainties remain regarding its execution and the regional power dynamics that continue to evolve.
In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia represents a pivotal moment in Somali-Ethiopian relations, reflecting the outcomes of a peace agreement aimed at easing historical grievances. Nevertheless, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations and the ongoing tensions with Egypt and Eritrea. The evolving alliances signal a regional landscape that is uncertain yet poised for change.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
