Ethiopia and Somalia Strengthen Relations Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to strengthen ties after a diplomatic dispute regarding Somaliland. Both leaders discussed security, economic cooperation, and joint infrastructure. Reports of mortar attacks near Mogadishu raised concerns during the visit, although no incidents were reported involving the delegation. The recent thaw in relations follows a mediated agreement aimed at restoring diplomatic ties, yet the status of Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland remains unresolved.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia on Thursday for a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The purpose of this visit was to strengthen their reconciliation efforts after a recent diplomatic dispute regarding relations with the separatist region of Somaliland. They discussed various issues, including security, economic collaboration, and the potential for infrastructure development.

Prior to the meeting, the Somali government indicated that the two leaders would address the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region. Meanwhile, residents reported mortar attacks near Mogadishu’s airport shortly after the Ethiopian delegation passed through, although it remained unclear whether these attacks were related to the Prime Minister’s arrival, with no incidents reported at the airport.

The security climate in Somalia is precarious, largely due to the persistent threat posed by the Islamist group Al-Shabab. Local accounts reported that two mortar shells struck the Bulohubey neighborhood, injuring an elderly woman. Members of the Ethiopian delegation reportedly claimed they were unaware of any such incidents during their visit.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated last year after Ethiopia forged an agreement with Somaliland, aiming for sea access that angered Somali authorities. However, a resolution was reached in January when both countries announced the full restoration of diplomatic relations, facilitated by Turkiye.

Following the meeting, the two nations issued a joint statement affirming the strengthening of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Abiy expressed the need for regional cooperation, stating, “Regional thinking and collaboration are essential, and we are ready to work with Somalia to make this a reality.”

An anonymous source from the Somali presidential palace indicated that Abiy’s visit aimed to implement the Ankara agreement, signed in Turkey last December. Somaliland had anticipated that this agreement would lead to Ethiopian recognition of its independence in exchange for establishing a naval base, which provoked Somalia’s ire and resulted in Mogadishu withdrawing its ambassador from Addis Ababa.

This visit signifies a renewed commitment to improving relations between Ethiopia and Somalia following a diplomatic rift. The leaders’ discussions focused on key issues such as security collaboration and economic development while acknowledging the threats posed by terrorism. The reconciliation effort appears to be gaining momentum, although the implications of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remain uncertain.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com