Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Somalia for talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aimed at enhancing reconciliation. The discussions focus on security, diplomatic relations, and counterterrorism, amidst recent mortar attacks near the airport. Tensions remain from prior agreements between Ethiopia and Somaliland, while Somalia opposes the implications of such arrangements. The outcome of Abiy’s visit may influence regional stability.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia on Thursday to engage in discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aimed at reinforcing a delicate reconciliation between the two nations. The agenda, as outlined by the Somali government, encompasses matters of security, political stability, diplomatic initiatives, economic collaboration, and counterterrorism efforts in the region.
Upon arrival, security officials reported the safe passage of Abiy’s delegation from the airport. However, shortly after their departure towards the presidential palace, local residents noted mortar attacks in proximity to the airport. The connection of these attacks to Abiy’s visit remains unconfirmed amidst Somalia’s ongoing instability and the persistent threat from the Islamist group Al-Shabaab.
In an account of the violence, local resident Abdiraham Hassan relayed, “Two rounds of mortar shells landed in the Bulohubey neighbourhood. An elderly woman was wounded after the shell exploded close to her house.” A member of Ethiopia’s delegation indicated they were not aware of the attacks at the time.
Tensions flared between Ethiopia and Somalia last year following Ethiopia’s agreement with the secessionist region of Somaliland, which sought to secure maritime access. However, January’s announcement of restored diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, facilitated by a peace deal brokered by Turkey, marked a significant thaw.
An anonymous source from the Somali presidential palace remarked that Abiy’s visit forms an integral part of a broader initiative to finalize and actualize the Ankara agreement, which was negotiated in Turkey. While Somaliland anticipates recognition in exchange for granting Ethiopia a naval base, Ethiopia has yet to acknowledge this proposition, and opposition from Mogadishu led to the recall of its ambassador to Ethiopia.
Despite the recent improvements in diplomatic relations, the future of Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland remains uncertain, marking ongoing regional complexities.
The visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somalia highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts to improve relations following prior tensions. Discussions are primarily centered around security and cooperation in various sectors. However, challenges persist, particularly with the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and uncertainties surrounding Ethiopia’s commitments to Somaliland, indicating a need for careful navigation of regional dynamics.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
