Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will visit Ethiopia to strengthen a peace deal aimed at reducing tensions related to maritime access. Ethiopia’s desire for a port through Somaliland has strained relations, but recent agreements mediated by Turkey signify progress towards cooperation. Unresolved issues still pose challenges ahead.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, will undertake a visit to Ethiopia on Saturday, as announced by his office. This visit is poised to further strengthen a recently established peace agreement intended to alleviate rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has been contending with its neighboring countries over access to the sea, a concern that has intensified long-standing regional grievances. Somalia expressed its discontent when Ethiopia entered into a partnership last year with Somaliland, a region seeking independence, involving stipulations for port and military access to the Red Sea.
Amid this diplomatic turmoil, a peace agreement was brokered last month between President Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, under the auspices of Turkey, aimed at fostering regional stability. Mohamud’s office indicated that his visit to Addis Ababa was at the request of Prime Minister Abiy, signaling a commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation. They stated, “This visit builds on the recent agreement reached in Ankara. This renewed cooperation underscores a new era of collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia.” However, the complexities surrounding their relations remain pending resolution, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead in fostering enduring peace and collaboration.
The backdrop to this diplomatic engagement involves a series of historical tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, primarily related to territorial disputes and the influence of Somaliland, a region that has pursued independence from Somalia. Ethiopia’s strategic ambitions for maritime access have further complicated relations, particularly after its 2022 agreement with Somaliland, which sparked significant outrage in Mogadishu. The mediation role of Turkey highlights the growing interest of external parties in stabilizing the Horn of Africa, a region characterized by political instability and ethnic conflicts.
In conclusion, President Mohamud’s forthcoming visit to Ethiopia signifies a pivotal attempt to consolidate recent diplomatic agreements aimed at easing tensions in the Horn of Africa. With Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access closely interlinked with regional politics, the meeting may pave the way for greater collaboration, although unresolved issues remain. The mutual desire for peace exemplified by this visit reflects a cautious, yet hopeful, approach towards stability in the region.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
