Ethiopia and Somalia have restored diplomatic relations, signaling a commitment to mutual cooperation following tensions over Ethiopia’s relationship with Somaliland. Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed to enhance bilateral ties, which they link to regional peace efforts.
In a significant development, Ethiopia and Somalia have renewed their diplomatic ties with Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa. During this meeting, President Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reached an agreement to restore and enhance relations through full diplomatic representation in each other’s capitals. The leaders emphasized that mutual trust and respect are crucial for regional stability and expressed dedication to reinstating a cooperative spirit. This renewed relationship follows a peace deal in October 2024, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The diplomatic rift between these two neighboring countries had escalated in the previous year, primarily due to Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somalia’s autonomous region, Somaliland. Ethiopia’s decision to lease coastal land to Somaliland and acknowledge its independence was perceived by Somalia as a challenge to its sovereignty, prompting retaliatory measures such as the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador from Mogadishu. The recent discussions not only reaffirmed their commitment to the peace agreement but also highlighted the importance of collaborative security efforts against extremist threats, along with enhancing trade relations.
The restoration of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia comes after a period of significant tension triggered by Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland, which has long sought independence from Somalia. The situation strained the relationship between the countries, leading to formal diplomatic actions such as the expulsion of ambassadors. This renewed connection signals a commitment to regional stability and cooperation, enhancing prospects for mutual economic and security initiatives.
In summary, the restoration of diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Somalia marks a pivotal moment in East African relations, aimed at fostering regional stability. The commitment to enhanced diplomatic representation and cooperative agreements demonstrates a willingness to resolve previous disputes and work towards mutual benefits in trade and security. This significant development reflects a broader trend towards reconciliation in the Horn of Africa following months of tension fueled by territorial disputes.
Original Source: www.dw.com
