Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Scheduled for Visit to Mogadishu

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on finalizing the Ankara Declaration. The December agreement aims to mend strained ties and enhance bilateral cooperation while allowing Ethiopia secure access to Somali ports. Abiy’s visit underscores progress in relations and regional stability efforts.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to visit Mogadishu for high-level talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as confirmed by officials from both nations. This visit follows the arrival of an Ethiopian advance team and is aimed at finalizing negotiations outlined in the Ankara Declaration, an agreement brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last December.

The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, represents a pivotal moment in the historically strained relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. It aims to mitigate tensions that arose following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which resulted in fears of regional instability. The declaration emphasizes dialogue to respect Somalia’s sovereignty while allowing Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, secure access to Somali ports.

Technical negotiations, which began in Ankara earlier in the month, are anticipated to conclude in approximately four months. Both nations are working diligently to agree on the specifics desired by late spring. Ethiopian government officials highlight that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit signifies a commitment to enhance bilateral relations and align on shared objectives.

The upcoming discussions also focus on Somalia’s new African Union peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM. Initially, Ethiopia faced the threat of troop expulsion from Somalia due to earlier disputes, but the Ankara Declaration has provided a pathway for their continued involvement under mapped terms. Abiy’s trip will be his first to Mogadishu since the December agreement and is indicative of evolving relations between the two countries.

Security measures have been heightened in Mogadishu in anticipation of the summit, with the exact date of Abiy’s visit yet to be disclosed. The visit comes as both countries engage technical teams to facilitate the ongoing negotiations. Somali officials have expressed optimism about the mutual respect and goodwill that is fostering progress in diplomatic relations.

The impending visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu highlights a significant thaw in relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. Following the landmark Ankara Declaration, both nations are eager to continue fostering dialogue, particularly regarding regional security and economic cooperation. This development is viewed as beneficial not only for bilateral ties but also for regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The collaborative effort aims to integrate Ethiopia into ongoing peacekeeping missions and promote political harmony.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com