Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia visited Somalia, signalling an end to the year-long tensions over the MoU with Somaliland. He and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed enhancing bilateral relations, focusing on security and infrastructure. A mortar attack was reported near the airport before his arrival, potentially linked to Al-Shabab militants. The visit aims to reaffirm cooperation despite ongoing challenges with Eritrea.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia, symbolizing the end of a year-long tension regarding Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. The Prime Minister’s office stated that Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in extensive discussions to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on peace, security, economic collaboration, and joint infrastructure projects.
Prior to this meeting, the two leaders met twice in Addis Ababa, following the Turkish-mediated Ankara Agreement signed in December 2023, which successfully alleviated the diplomatic strain between Ethiopia and Somalia. This agreement is perceived by some as having averted a potential military conflict.
Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia had been severed after Somalia opposed the MoU signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland, a region that has been functioning as an unrecognized state for over 34 years. Following his arrival at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Abiy Ahmed was welcomed warmly by President Mohamud.
Although there was a mortar attack reported near the airport shortly before Abiy’s arrival, which Somali news outlets attributed to Al-Shabab, government officials have not confirmed the incident. Security challenges were identified as a key issue during their discussions.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a joint communique affirming the commitment of both leaders to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, emphasizing the importance of their historical ties and the necessity for enhanced diplomatic, economic, and social collaboration. This communique indicates an effort by both countries to mend relations after recent hostilities.
Nonetheless, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government is reportedly facing difficulties with worsening relations with Eritrea, with whom Somalia established a tripartite agreement in October 2024. Reports of military mobilization within Eritrea have emerged, although some activists question the validity of these claims.
In summary, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia marks a significant moment in revitalizing diplomatic relations following a year of tension over an MoU with Somaliland. The joint discussions addressed critical issues, including security and economic cooperation, indicating a mutual desire to improve ties. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding relations with Eritrea, suggesting ongoing regional complexities.
Original Source: borkena.com
