Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu for discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, following earlier diplomatic progress. This initiative stems from the Ankara Declaration, aimed at easing prior tensions between the nations and facilitating Ethiopia’s access to the sea through Somali ports. The visit underscores a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional security issues.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to travel to Mogadishu for high-level discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit, anticipated imminently, follows the arrival of an Ethiopian advance team to Somalia. Both nations aim to finalize technical negotiations stemming from the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December 2024.
The Ankara Declaration marked a pivotal moment in Ethiopian-Somali relations, easing prior tensions that arose over Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland. The deal, which granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease for access to Somaliland’s coast, faced strong opposition from Mogadishu, which considered it a breach of sovereignty. Concerns escalated regarding regional stability in the Horn of Africa, implicating external powers such as Egypt and Eritrea.
Mediated after extensive discussions in Ankara, the declaration led both nations to commit to resolving disputes through dialogue, ensuring Somalia’s territorial integrity while permitting Ethiopia commercial access to Somali ports. As technical negotiations progress, both countries aspire to finalize agreements by late spring.
The forthcoming visit is viewed as a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and shared interests. Somali officials have highlighted recent diplomatic interactions, including President Mohamud’s unanticipated trip to Addis Ababa in January and the visit from Ethiopia’s defense minister to Mogadishu. Abiy’s visit acknowledges the positive trajectory since the Ankara declaration and supports the move towards enhanced cooperation.
Turkey’s role as a mediator has proven significant in this reconciliation, enhancing its influence in the region with established military and economic ties to both nations. The discussions will also address Ethiopia’s possible involvement in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, which will replace the current mission expiring this year.
Prime Minister Abiy’s anticipated visit represents a new era in relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. This occasion heralds opportunities for collaboration in combating security threats, particularly against militant groups like al-Shabab. Following discussions, both leaders are expected to address the media, revealing additional details regarding the implementation of the Ankara Declaration.
As this diplomatic effort unfolds, security measures have been heightened in Mogadishu’s airport and government areas in preparation for the summit. The ongoing technical discussions between teams from both governments signify a meaningful advancement, fostering goodwill and mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the imminent visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu highlights a significant development in the diplomatic relationships between Ethiopia and Somalia. The Ankara Declaration marks a commitment to resolve past tensions, particularly relating to the Somaliland issue. With both nations focusing on collaboration, particularly regarding regional security and economic access, this engagement represents a hopeful path toward fostering stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: garoweonline.com
