Somalia and Ethiopia Forge Military Agreement for Regional Stability

Somalia and Ethiopia have reinforced bilateral relations following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, establishing an agreement between their military forces viewed as essential for regional stability. This understanding marks a recovery from previous tensions over Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland, and reflects a commitment to enhanced security, economic integration, and cooperative infrastructure projects.

The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have expressed their support for a newly established agreement between military commanders of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). They view this agreement as a pivotal step towards enhancing security cooperation and promoting stability in the region. This affirmation followed Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to Mogadishu, which aimed to reinforce bilateral relations that had previously experienced strain.

During this visit, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy highlighted their commitment to deepening historical ties while fostering trust through enhanced diplomatic, economic, and social collaborations. The meeting represented a significant recovery in relations after tensions arose when Somalia opposed Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, asserting that it undermined its sovereignty.

Following the difficulties, a diplomatic breakthrough occurred with the Ankara Declaration, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This led to renewed operational efforts between the two nations, with President Mohamud visiting Ethiopia in January to solidify diplomatic representation and initiate expanded military and economic cooperation.

Moreover, Somalia’s approval of Ethiopia’s role in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) marked a reversal of its earlier stance, further underscoring their collaborative relationship. In a joint statement, the two countries acknowledged the necessity of utilizing past peacekeeping achievements while coordinating Ethiopian military involvement through Somalia’s Federal Government.

The communique emphasized the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara and a shared commitment to constructive dialogue. Plans for strategic infrastructure projects were outlined, focusing on economic integration, sustainable development, and strengthened connections among their people. The two nations recognized the ongoing threats posed by extremist militant groups and reaffirmed their dedication to cooperation in promoting regional peace and stability.

In summary, the recent engagement between Somalia and Ethiopia underscores a significant development in their bilateral relations, emphasizing mutual cooperation in security and economic spheres. This agreement marks a critical step towards regional stability, addressing past tensions while setting the foundation for further collaborative initiatives. Both nations remain committed to advancing shared interests and fostering peace amid evolving challenges.

Original Source: addisstandard.com