Ethiopia’s Defence Minister, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, visited Somalia, marking the first bilateral engagement since relations soured due to an Ethiopian plan for a naval base in Somaliland. The visit seeks to mend ties amidst fears of heightened instability resulting from disputes over territorial sovereignty and military presence. Both countries have committed to further discussions to resolve these tensions and to maintain their fight against Al-Shabaab.
On Thursday, Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa made a significant visit to Somalia, marking the first bilateral interaction between the nations since their relations deteriorated a year prior. Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, confirmed this visit, although the topics of discussion remain undisclosed. Relations soured over Ethiopia’s proposal to establish a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, a move that Mogadishu considers a direct threat to its territorial integrity.
Ethiopia maintains a military presence in Somalia, comprising up to 10,000 soldiers deployed primarily to combat Al-Shabaab militants. However, the Somali government has issued a warning regarding the potential expulsion of these troops unless Ethiopia abandons its agreement with Somaliland, which entails leasing coastal areas for a naval base in return for support in gaining international recognition for Somaliland’s independence.
Despite Somaliland’s de facto autonomy since 1991, its quest for independence remains unrecognized by other nations, raising tensions within Somalia. Following a period of escalating rhetoric and ineffective diplomatic mediation efforts, a significant breakthrough occurred on December 11 when Somalia and Ethiopia agreed to collaborate towards resolving their dispute, pledging to initiate technical discussions by the end of February.
The presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia is part of a broader African Union mission, and their potential withdrawal is feared to undermine efforts against the Al-Shabaab insurgency, which has persisted since 2007. This regional tension has also prompted Somalia to forge alliances with Ethiopia’s rivals, namely Egypt and Eritrea.
The evolving relations between Ethiopia and Somalia highlight both regional complexities and the imperative for dialogue to address underlying issues and to maintain stability in the Horn of Africa.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia primarily stem from a proposed agreement concerning Somaliland, an autonomous region in northern Somalia that has sought independence since 1991. Ethiopia’s plan to establish a naval base in Somaliland appeared to threaten Somalia’s sovereignty, resulting in heightened tensions and a potential threat to regional stability. Given Ethiopia’s military involvement in Somalia, primarily for counter-terrorism purposes, the delicate balance of power in the Horn of Africa underscores the significance of their relations in combating Al-Shabaab and addressing regional security concerns.
In conclusion, the recent visit of Ethiopia’s Defence Minister to Somalia symbolizes a potential thaw in relations between the two nations following a year of heightened tensions. The discussions aimed at resolving differences related to Somaliland and the presence of Ethiopian troops underscore the importance of cooperation in combating shared threats like Al-Shabaab. The success of these diplomatic efforts will be critical for fostering stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
