On January 11, 2023, Somalia and Ethiopia announced the restoration of full diplomatic ties following President Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa. Tensions arose after Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway region Somaliland, leading to Somalia expelling the Ethiopian ambassador. A peace deal mediated by Türkiye last month led to the current rapprochement, with both nations discussing trade and security cooperation, though uncertainties, especially regarding maritime access, persist.
On January 11, 2023, Somalia and Ethiopia proclaimed the restoration of their diplomatic relations, a significant move aimed at alleviating a year-long tension affecting the Horn of Africa. This restoration followed a crucial visit by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, where he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. In a joint statement, both leaders pledged to reinforce their bilateral relations through full diplomatic engagement in their capitals.
The tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia escalated due to Ethiopia’s prior agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, that strained relations further. The culmination of these grievances led to Somalia expelling Ethiopia’s ambassador from Mogadishu last April. However, following a peace agreement brokered by Türkiye and ratified by both leaders last month, diplomatic ties have been tentatively restored. During President Mohamud’s visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to this peace deal and objectives of friendship and solidarity.
The discussions also encompassed strengthening trade routes and increasing security cooperation against militant groups threatening both nations. Despite the progress, uncertainties linger, particularly regarding the details of Ethiopia’s access to the sea, as suggested by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the future of Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland.
The restoration of diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia comes after a turbulent period marked by territorial disputes and bilateral tensions, primarily provoked by Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland. Historically, Somaliland’s quest for independence from Somalia has created friction, complicating Ethiopia’s geopolitical interests, especially its need for a coastline and port access. The Ethiopian government’s engagement with Somaliland a year ago led to Somalia’s outrage and the severing of diplomatic ties. Recent mediation efforts by Türkiye have facilitated steps towards normalization, emphasizing the regional significance of stable relations between these neighboring countries.
The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia marks a pivotal step towards stabilizing the Horn of Africa. This development, spurred by a recent peace treaty and commitment from both leaders to enhance cooperation, holds promise for improved trade and security amidst lingering challenges. The diplomatic journey ahead remains complex, especially concerning the agreements surrounding Somaliland, suggesting that while relations are thawing, critical issues require further resolution.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
