Somalia’s President is set to visit Ethiopia to strengthen ties following a peace agreement. This aligns with Ethiopia’s historical need for sea access and recent tensions over Somaliland’s recognition. The peace deal, mediated by Turkey, aims to address these issues, although many questions remain unresolved.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to visit Ethiopia this Saturday to strengthen ties following a recent peace accord aimed at alleviating rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. This visit, requested by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, signifies progress in diplomatic relations amidst Ethiopia’s pressing need for access to the sea. The diplomatic strains escalated last year when Ethiopia recognized the independence of Somaliland in exchange for port and military base rights, which angered the Somali government. The peace agreement, facilitated by Turkey, has initiated a new chapter of cooperation between the two nations, but several issues remain to be addressed as both countries navigate their complex relationship more diplomatically.
Ethiopia, being a landlocked nation, faces continual challenges regarding its trade routes and maritime access, which are vital for its economic interests. The long-standing grievances between Ethiopia and Somalia have been particularly exacerbated by Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. Somaliland’s quest for international recognition and Ethiopia’s strategic interests led to heightened diplomatic tensions. To mitigate these strains, a peace deal was brokered last month, aiming to foster better relations and stability in the region under Turkish mediation.
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s forthcoming visit to Ethiopia represents a pivotal step towards stabilizing diplomatic relations following a period of mounting tension. While the recent peace deal provides a foundation for collaboration, the persistent complexities stemming from Ethiopia’s maritime interests and Somaliland’s independence aspirations require ongoing diplomatic engagement to ensure lasting peace in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
