Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed is visiting Mogadishu to repair ties with Somalia amid tensions from a maritime agreement and troop presence. This visit focuses on security cooperation and implementing a recent agreement aimed at normalizing relations. It is a significant diplomatic effort to address regional stability issues, including the threat from Al-Shabaab.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, is leading a high-level delegation to Mogadishu on Thursday in a bid to mend diplomatic ties with Somalia, which have been strained since the controversial 2024 maritime agreement. The visit follows Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a breach of its sovereignty. The delegation’s discussions will revolve around security cooperation and the transition of Ethiopian troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia to the newly established African Union Support to Somalia Mission. This visit represents a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and reinforcing stability in the region, particularly in the face of shared challenges such as the Al-Shabaab militant group.
The relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have faced significant strain due to geopolitical developments, particularly surrounding maritime claims and regional access agreements. The signing of a maritime deal in 2024, coupled with Ethiopia’s engagement with the Somaliland region, resulted in heightened tensions, as Somalia protested these actions as infringements on its territorial sovereignty. The Ankara Declaration signifies an effort to normalize these strained relations, bringing the two nations together to address security concerns and the presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia, which have previously prompted Somalia to consider expelling these troops.
The high-level visit by Ethiopia’s Defense Minister represents an essential diplomatic effort to restore relations between Ethiopia and Somalia following years of tension. By focusing on security cooperation and the transition of troops, both nations are aiming to resolve outstanding issues and work collaboratively against shared threats. This positive diplomatic engagement could pivotally influence stability in the Horn of Africa, highlighting the necessity of regional cooperation amid ongoing security challenges.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
