Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations after a year of tensions. This decision followed talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Both leaders aim to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance security cooperation amid regional challenges, signaling a constructive shift in their interactions.
On January 11, Ethiopia and Somalia announced their agreement to restore diplomatic relations, a year after tensions arose concerning a Red Sea access deal. This decision came after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa, where he conferred with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The leaders discussed various bilateral and regional matters and expressed a commitment to strengthening the relationship between their nations.
The diplomatic relationship between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu soured last year when Ethiopia established a preliminary agreement with Somaliland, a region that has declared independence from Somalia. This pact involved leasing coastal areas for commercial use and constructing a naval base, leading Somalia to criticize the agreement as an illegal act that threatened its territorial integrity. In retaliation, Somalia expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador and closed its consulates in Ethiopia.
Moreover, Somalia has sought to enhance its connections with Egypt and Eritrea through a recent cooperation agreement addressing regional and maritime security concerns, given their mutual apprehensions regarding Ethiopia. Following mediation efforts by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December, both nations recognized the need for cooperative measures to facilitate Ethiopia’s access to the sea under Somali sovereignty, scheduling technical negotiations to commence in late February.
During their January 11 discussions, President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy agreed to accelerate these technical negotiations. Both leaders committed to reinstating full diplomatic relations and appointing ambassadors in each country’s capital, thus advancing their bilateral cooperation.
The diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia experienced significant strain in the past year due to disagreement over a territorial deal involving Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. Somalia’s response included various diplomatic actions against Ethiopia, aimed at asserting its position on Somaliland. Recent mediation efforts have paved the way for renewed engagement between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of cooperative security measures in the face of regional threats.
Ethiopia and Somalia’s restoration of diplomatic ties reflects a pivotal moment in their relationship, marked by attempts to address earlier conflicts and enhance regional cooperation. The discussions have indicated a shift towards constructive dialogue and joint security efforts, which may contribute to greater stability in the Horn of Africa. Moving forward, the success of these negotiations may hinge upon the commitment of both nations to address the underlying issues that have historically strained their relations.
Original Source: new.finalcall.com
