Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia for talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aimed at strengthening reconciliation amid ongoing security concerns. Discussions focused on a range of critical issues including diplomacy and counterterrorism measures. Despite some mortar attacks reported near the airport, the visit signifies a commitment to improving relations between the two nations.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Somalia to engage in discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aimed at fortifying the tenuous reconciliation between their nations. The Somali government indicated that the agenda would encompass critical topics such as security, politics, diplomacy, economics, and collaborative counterterrorism measures in the region.
Following the Prime Minister’s arrival, security officials confirmed that his delegation departed from the airport without incidents. However, shortly after the convoy left towards the presidential palace, local residents reported mortar attacks occurring in areas adjacent to the airport.
Although it remains uncertain whether the mortar attacks are linked to Prime Minister Abiy’s visit, Somalia continues to experience significant instability, with the militant group Al-Shabaab maintaining a robust influence in the country. A local resident reported that, “Two rounds of mortar shells landed in the Bulohubey neighbourhood. An elderly woman was wounded after the shell exploded close to her house.”
A member of the Ethiopian delegation stated they had no knowledge of the mortar attacks. Last year, tensions escalated between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia entered into an agreement with the self-declared region of Somaliland to secure maritime access. Nevertheless, in January, Ethiopia and Somalia announced the full restoration of diplomatic relations following a peace accord facilitated by Turkey.
An anonymous source from the Somali presidential palace informed that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit is a component of a larger initiative to finalize and implement the agreement forged in Ankara, referencing the earlier peace deal. Somaliland argued that its January 2024 agreement with Ethiopia would lead to Addis Ababa recognizing its independence in return for permitting Ethiopia to obtain a coveted naval base, a claim that Ethiopia has yet to confirm.
Mogadishu vehemently opposed the deal and subsequently recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia in response. Despite recent diplomatic improvements, the future of Ethiopia’s relationship with Somaliland remains uncertain.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia signifies a crucial effort towards enhancing relations and addressing pressing regional issues. Despite ongoing security challenges and historical tensions, the commitment towards diplomatic engagement remains evident. Both nations continue navigating complex dynamics involving Somaliland, which may impact their reconciliation efforts moving forward.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
