Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu to meet with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, seeking to mend relations strained by Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. The leaders affirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation and acknowledged the inception of talks in Turkey regarding the contentious agreement. Security was heightened around the meeting, highlighting their intention for improved diplomatic ties amid ongoing discussions about regional stability.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu on Thursday, where he met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This meeting is part of an effort to mend relations that have been strained due to Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, a territory Somalia claims as its own. This historic visit marks a potential thaw in diplomatic ties between the neighboring countries.
Upon his arrival, security was heightened, with Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers ensuring protection at Aden Ade International Airport and the route to the presidential palace. Reports indicate that significant security measures were implemented, including road closures and restricted vehicular access.
At the airport, Prime Minister Abiy received a warm welcome, highlighted by the presence of Ethiopian flags and local cultural performances by the Somali National Music Band and folklore dancers. The subsequent meeting at the presidential palace culminated in a joint statement underscoring their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.
The leaders expressed their interdependence and shared vision for regional stability, emphasizing that their meeting represented a continuation of discussions aimed at normalizing relations. They acknowledged the commencement of technical talks in Turkey focused on the contentious Ethiopian-Somaliland deal.
Under the controversial arrangement, Ethiopia intends to lease 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline for 50 years in exchange for diplomatic recognition of Somaliland. Despite Somaliland’s autonomy since 1991, international recognition remains elusive due to Somali opposition. Specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, with speculation that Ethiopia aims to establish a naval base.
In December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan successfully facilitated an agreement reaffirming mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. This Ankara agreement includes provisions for Somalia to grant Ethiopia access to a commercial port, although Ethiopia has yet to officially withdraw from the Somaliland agreement.
Following visits to Ethiopia by President Mohamud, analysts indicate that high-level diplomatic engagements are intended to build confidence before further talks. Abdiqafar Abdi Wardhere, an analyst from Virginia, highlighted the need for continued dialogue to uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity while providing Ethiopia with necessary maritime access.
Furthermore, an Ethiopian military delegation, led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula and accompanied by the intelligence chief Redwan Hussien, engaged with Somali officials. Their discussions culminated in an agreement confirming the participation of Ethiopian troops in the newly established African Union mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia marks a significant step towards improving diplomatic relations strained by territorial disputes. The engagement underscores a mutual commitment to cooperation and regional stability, while ongoing technical discussions concerning the controversial Ethiopian-Somaliland deal aim to find a resolution. As both nations navigate their interdependence, the emphasis remains on enhancing trust and ensuring territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
