Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia for talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on security, politics, and economics amidst a delicate reconciliation. Despite unconfirmed mortar attacks near the airport upon his arrival, the two leaders aim to strengthen diplomatic ties following past tensions with Somaliland.
Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, arrived in Somalia on Thursday for discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The purpose of the meeting was to advance a precarious reconciliation process between the two nations. Topics on the agenda included security, political and diplomatic relations, economic collaboration, and counter-terrorism efforts within the region.
Despite concerns regarding safety, security officials confirmed that Abiy’s delegation departed the airport without incident. However, locals reported mortar attacks in areas adjacent to the airport shortly after the delegation’s exit towards the presidential palace, although a member of the Ethiopian team stated they were unaware of any such attacks.
Tensions escalated between Ethiopia and Somalia last year following an agreement Ethiopia made with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, which aimed to secure access to the sea. Although diplomatic relations were restored in January after a peace agreement facilitated by Türkiye, the original tension over Somaliland’s autonomy remains a sensitive issue.
An insider from the Somali presidential palace remarked that Abiy’s visit is a step towards implementing the “Ankara agreement,” which refers to the reconciliation brokered in Turkey. Somaliland claims the January agreement could have resulted in Ethiopia’s recognition of its independence in exchange for a naval base—an arrangement that heightened tensions with Somalia, prompting Mogadishu to withdraw its ambassador from Ethiopia.
The visit of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somalia underscores the fragile state of reconciliation between the two nations, particularly in light of recent tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland. Continued dialogue on security, politics, and diplomacy is essential to ensure stability in the region and to foster positive relations moving forward.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
