Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu for discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to finalize agreements outlined in the Ankara Declaration. This visit marks a turning point in relations after previous tensions over Ethiopia’s agreement with Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland. Both nations aim for enhanced cooperation and continued dialogue for regional stability.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu for crucial discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as confirmed by officials from both nations. The visit follows a preliminary Ethiopian delegation’s arrival in Somalia’s capital. This meeting aims to finalize technical negotiations stipulated in the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December 2024, aimed at improving Ethiopia-Somalia relations.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, represents a milestone in Ethiopia-Somalia relations, addressing previous tensions exacerbated by Ethiopia’s contentious agreement with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region. This agreement sought to provide Ethiopia with access to the sea through a long-term lease of Somaliland’s coastline, which was viewed by Mogadishu as an infringement upon its sovereignty. The situation had stirred concerns over regional stability, involving the influence of nations such as Egypt and Eritrea.
Under the December 2024 agreement, mediated after extensive negotiations in Ankara, both nations have committed to resolving their disputes through dialogue while recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity. The deal establishes a framework that allows Ethiopia to secure “reliable, secure, and sustainable” access to Somali ports, crucial for the landlocked country with a population exceeding 120 million. Technical negotiations commenced this month, targeting completion within four months.
Officials from both sides have emphasized that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit is pivotal for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared objectives. They highlighted that these discussions build upon recent diplomatic engagements, including a surprising visit by President Mohamud to Addis Ababa and the Ethiopian defense minister’s recent trip to Mogadishu. As noted by a senior Somali official, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara.”
This reconciliation is seen as a diplomatic achievement for Turkey, which has positioned itself as a central mediator in the Horn of Africa through its extensive ties with both nations. Analysts view the deal as beneficial for Ethiopia’s economic goals and favorable to expanding Turkey’s influence in the region. A primary topic during the Mogadishu meetings will be Ethiopia’s prospective involvement in the newly proposed African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, scheduled to take over from the current mission set to expire this year.
Abiy Ahmed’s imminent trip marks his first visit to Mogadishu since the signing of the Ankara Declaration. This event suggests a potential new phase in the historically complex relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, which has often hindered coordinated efforts against threats like al-Shabab. Following their discussions, both leaders will likely hold a press conference, elaborating on the implementation details of the Ankara Declaration.
In anticipation of this summit, Somalia is currently hosting technical teams from both countries, having welcomed Ethiopian negotiators as they prepare for the discussions. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi described the ongoing negotiations as “a significant step forward,” attributing the advancements to a spirit of “mutual tolerance and goodwill.” Although no specific date for Abiy’s arrival has been disclosed, security measures around Mogadishu’s airport and government areas have been intensified in preparation for the upcoming talks.
The planned visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu signifies a critical step toward enhancing Ethiopia-Somalia relations following the Ankara Declaration. The agreement aims to resolve historical tensions and establish cooperative frameworks, particularly in regional security and economic access. This diplomatic engagement underscores a mutual commitment to dialogue and collaboration in the Horn of Africa, fostering hopes for stability and increased cooperation between the two nations.
Original Source: garoweonline.com
