Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu on February 27, welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. The visit follows the “Ankara Declaration”, committed to mutual sovereignty and cooperation, superseding a previous contentious memorandum. Ethiopia will contribute 2,500 troops to the African Union’s stabilization efforts in Somalia, enhancing security against extremism. Turkey continues to play a key mediating role in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made an official visit to Mogadishu on February 27, where he was welcomed at the airport by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. This visit marks a significant step towards improved bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Somalia following the signing of the “Ankara Declaration” in December, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Ankara Declaration establishes commitments from both nations to respect each other’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. Notably, it supersedes a previous memorandum, which would have allowed Ethiopia to recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange for maritime access, a move seen by Somalia as detrimental to its territorial claims.
As part of the agreement, Ethiopia has pledged to deploy 2,500 troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which aims to bolster the Somali army against extremist threats. This contingent will be the second-largest, following Uganda’s troop contributions.
Turkey’s established presence in Somalia includes military bases and a continued commitment to mediation efforts between Ethiopia and Somalia. Current diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Turkey have improved, facilitated by alignment between their ruling political parties, with Ethiopian representatives attending the Turkish AKP Congress.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu symbolizes a crucial enhancement in Ethiopian-Somali relations, following significant agreements aimed at fostering cooperation and stability. Ethiopia’s commitment to deploy troops underlines its dedication to supporting peace initiatives in Somalia. Meanwhile, Turkey’s role as a mediator continues to be instrumental in shaping the diplomatic landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.fides.org
