Ethiopia’s Defence Minister, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, visited Somalia on Thursday, marking the first bilateral engagement since tensions escalated over a proposed Ethiopian naval base in Somaliland. The visit comes amidst concerns of Ethiopia’s significant troop presence in Somalia, which Mogadishu has threatened to expel. Recent diplomatic efforts include an agreement to address disputes through cooperation and technical negotiations following an agreement reached in December 2022.
On Thursday, Ethiopia’s Defence Minister, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, made a significant visit to Somalia, marking the first bilateral engagement since relations deteriorated last year. The visit follows a contentious period resulting from Ethiopia’s proposal to establish a naval base in the semi-autonomous region of Somaliland, which elicited strong opposition from the Somali government. Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, confirmed the visit but did not provide details regarding the discussions held. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s government spokesperson was unavailable for comments on the matter.
The ongoing presence of nearly 10,000 Ethiopian troops in Somalia, engaged in combatting the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, has become a contentious issue. While the Ethiopian forces operate under both a bilateral agreement and an African Union peacekeeping mandate, Somalia has recently expressed intentions to expel these troops unless Ethiopia reconsiders its engagement with Somaliland. The preliminary agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which could lead to the establishment of a naval base in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence, has been labelled an act of aggression by Mogadishu.
With Somaliland functioning autonomously since 1991 without international recognition, the dynamic between Ethiopia and Somalia has raised concerns regarding regional security. Following months of heightened tensions, discussions in Turkey on December 11 led both nations to agree to collaborate in resolving their differences and initiating technical negotiations by the end of February. The regional implications of any withdrawal of Ethiopian forces are serious, as it could significantly impact the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that has conducted an insurgency in Somalia since 2007.
The dispute underscores broader concerns regarding stability in the Horn of Africa, prompting Somalia to strengthen ties with Ethiopia’s traditional adversaries, Egypt and Eritrea, in response to the actions surrounding Somaliland. As geopolitical interactions evolve, continued diplomatic engagement will be crucial in ensuring regional stability and cooperation.
Ethiopia and Somalia share a complex and often strained history marked by territorial disputes and regional rivalries. The recent discord primarily stems from Ethiopia’s interest in building a naval base in Somaliland, a region that has pursued de facto independence from Somalia since 1991 but lacks international recognition. The Somali government perceives this arrangement as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity, further complicating an already delicate relationship. The presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia, aimed at countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency, adds another layer to the geopolitical landscape, where the stakes involve both national security and regional stability.
In conclusion, the visit of Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa to Somalia represents a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two nations, reflecting efforts to defuse tensions resulting from contentious agreements concerning Somaliland. The outcomes of their discussions will be instrumental in shaping future relations, as both countries navigate the complexities of regional politics and security threats posed by insurgent groups. The engagement signals a commitment to dialogue, highlighting the importance of diplomatic solutions in addressing long-standing disputes.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
