Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to discuss strengthening reconciliation with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Their talks focused on security, diplomacy, and counterterrorism amidst ongoing instability due to Al-Shabaab. Mortar attacks were reported near Abiy’s convoy shortly after his arrival, although it remains unclear if they were connected. Tensions have been heightened recently due to Ethiopia’s prior agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia opposes. The future of this agreement remains uncertain.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Somalia to engage in discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The primary focus of their talks is to enhance the fragile reconciliation between the two neighboring countries. A statement issued by the Somali government indicated that security, political, diplomatic, economic issues, and counterterrorism efforts would be addressed during the meetings.
Following his arrival, security personnel confirmed that Prime Minister Abiy’s delegation departed the airport safely. However, residents reported mortar attacks in regions close to the airport shortly after Abiy’s convoy left for the presidential palace. It remains unclear whether these attacks were connected to the Prime Minister’s visit, as Somalia continues to struggle with instability and the persistent influence of the Islamist group Al-Shabaab.
Local resident Abdiraham Hassan informed AFP, “Two rounds of mortar shells landed in Bulohubey neighbourhood. An elderly woman was wounded after the shell exploded close to her house.” A member of the Ethiopian delegation reported to AFP that they were unaware of any mortar strikes occurring at the time.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated significantly last year when Ethiopia formalized an agreement with the self-declared Somaliland region to obtain maritime access. Nevertheless, both nations restored full diplomatic ties in January following a peace accord facilitated by Turkey. As part of this diplomatic thaw, the visit by Abiy aims to further solidify the Ankara agreement reached in Turkey.
Somaliland has expressed that the January 2024 agreement with Ethiopia would potentially lead to official recognition of its independence by Addis Ababa in exchange for a long-sought naval base. However, Ethiopia has not confirmed this arrangement, and the Somali government has vocally opposed it, recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia as an act of protest.
Despite recent efforts to improve relations, the situation pertaining to Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remains precarious and uncertain.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to bolster relations between Ethiopia and Somalia after a period of heightened tensions. Despite the discussion of reconciliation, regional instability remains a pressing concern, compounded by the actions of Al-Shabaab. The uncertain future of the agreement concerning Somaliland illustrates the complexities that still challenge diplomatic progress in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
