Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu to hold talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This meeting follows the Ankara Declaration aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and easing previous tensions over Somaliland. Discussions are expected to cover Ethiopia’s access to the sea and its potential role in peacekeeping initiatives.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to visit Mogadishu for high-level discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This forthcoming visit follows the arrival of an Ethiopian advance team to prepare for the talks, which are part of ongoing negotiations stemming from the Ankara Declaration, a pivotal agreement facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last December.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, represents a significant thaw in relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, which had deteriorated due to Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland. This deal aimed to provide Ethiopia with access to the sea through a lengthy lease of Somaliland’s coastline, generating tensions with Mogadishu, which viewed it as a violation of its territorial integrity. The resolution of this dispute is crucial for regional stability in the Horn of Africa, as it involved larger powers like Egypt and Eritrea.
Under the terms of the December agreement, Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and mutual respect while focusing on Somalia’s territorial integrity. This arrangement aims to provide Ethiopia, a nation with a population exceeding 120 million and lacking direct sea access, with dependable and sustainable commercial routes via Somali ports. Technical negotiations initiated in Ankara are expected to culminate within four months.
An Ethiopian government spokesperson highlighted that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit underscores both nations’ dedication to enhancing bilateral relations and addressing shared priorities. In a similar vein, Somali officials have expressed optimism, noting previous diplomatic exchanges, including President Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa in January and engagements from Ethiopian defense officials.
A senior Somali official stated, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara,” indicating a shift towards cooperation rather than confrontation. This reconciliation has been recognized as a diplomatic achievement for Turkey, which has taken on a role as a mediator due to its longstanding relationships with both nations, evidenced by Turkey’s military presence in Mogadishu and the provision of drones to Ethiopia.
The discussions in Mogadishu will also address Ethiopia’s prospective involvement in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, which is set to replace the current mission. Despite earlier threats from Somalia to expel Ethiopian forces due to the Somaliland agreement, the Ankara Declaration has paved the way for ongoing Ethiopian troop participation under mutually negotiated conditions.
Abiy’s trip marks his first visit to Mogadishu since the December agreement and signifies a turning point for Ethiopia and Somalia’s historical rivalry, which has frequently complicated regional security efforts, particularly in combating al-Shabab militants. Following their discussions, both leaders are anticipated to hold a media briefing, where further specifics regarding the Ankara Declaration’s implementation may be revealed.
The visit is occurring concurrently with the presence of technical teams from both countries in Somalia, with Ethiopian negotiators arriving recently to facilitate preparatory discussions. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi described this process as a “significant step forward,” attributing advancements to “mutual tolerance and goodwill.” Although an exact date for Abiy’s visit has yet to be disclosed, security measures around Mogadishu’s airport and government district have been heightened in anticipation of the summit.
In summary, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s impending visit to Mogadishu underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts between Ethiopia and Somalia following the Ankara Declaration. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral ties and address shared interests, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s access to Somali ports and involvement in peacekeeping efforts. This visit, framed as a move towards cooperation, marks a promising development in the regional dynamics of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
