Somalia and Ethiopia have welcomed a military agreement as a pivotal step towards enhancing security cooperation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu facilitated this agreement, marking a normalization of bilateral relations following previous tensions. Both nations are committed to collaboration against extremist threats and fostering economic ties.
The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have expressed support for the recent agreement reached between the commanders of the Somali National Army (SNA) and Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). They have termed this agreement a “critical step” towards enhancing security cooperation and promoting regional stability. Following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, both leaders highlighted efforts to normalize bilateral relations and stressed the significance of their deep historical ties.
This renewed engagement comes in the wake of previous diplomatic tensions regarding Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as a breach of its sovereignty. In response to this perceived violation, Somalia had considered excluding Ethiopia from the African Union-led mission to replace ATMIS and sought to strengthen military relations with Egypt. However, diplomatic relations began to thaw following the Ankara Declaration facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Prime Minister Abiy’s January visit to Ethiopia was a watershed moment, featuring an understanding regarding “full diplomatic representation” and a commitment to enhance economic and security collaborations. Furthermore, on February 24, Somalia reversed its prior stance and permitted Ethiopia’s engagement in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). A joint declaration emphasized the importance of building on past peacekeeping successes and coordinating Ethiopian deployments through the Federal Government of Somalia.
In their recent communiqué, the two nations lauded the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara and reaffirmed their dedication to constructive dialogue and collaboration. They outlined plans for strategic infrastructure projects that would facilitate economic integration, sustainable development, and stronger ties between their peoples. Both nations also acknowledged the pressing threats posed by extremist groups, committing to enhance cooperation across security efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, Somalia and Ethiopia have taken significant steps to enhance their diplomatic and military collaboration, focusing on regional security and economic integration. By normalizing their relations and working together against extremism, both nations aim to foster stability and prosperity in the region. The recent agreement marks a pivotal development in their ongoing partnership, reinforcing their commitment to mutual interests and regional coherence.
In conclusion, the military agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia represents a crucial advancement toward strengthening security cooperation and regional stability. Both nations have emphasized the importance of normalized diplomatic relations, focusing on the potential for economic and military collaboration. The commitment to addressing extremist threats collectively reinforces a united front in promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
