Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on reconciliation amid tensions over Somaliland. Discussions included security, economic collaboration, and infrastructure projects, despite recent mortar attacks in Mogadishu. Their diplomatic ties were restored in January after a Turkiye-mediated agreement, and Abiy emphasized the need for cooperation and regional collaboration.
On Thursday, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to meet with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aiming to bolster their fragile reconciliation following a diplomatic conflict regarding Somaliland, a separatist region. The leaders discussed vital topics, including peace and security, economic collaboration, and potential joint infrastructure projects. Ahead of the meeting, the Somali government emphasized that they also intended to talk about countering regional terrorism.
Reports emerged of mortar attacks in neighborhoods close to Mogadishu airport shortly after the Ethiopian delegation’s transit to the presidential palace. The connection between these attacks and Prime Minister Abiy’s arrival remains unclear; airport security confirmed that the delegation departed safely without any incidents. Somalia’s security environment is precarious, largely due to the ongoing threat from the Islamist group Al-Shabab.
Local residents detailed that two mortar shells had struck the Bulohubey area, injuring an elderly woman. An Ethiopian delegation member claimed they had no knowledge of any mortar fire during their visit. The previous year saw increased tensions when Ethiopia negotiated a deal with Somaliland to secure sea access, which provoked anger in Mogadishu and resulted in the withdrawal of its ambassador from Ethiopia.
In January, Ethiopia and Somalia announced a complete restoration of diplomatic ties, facilitated by Turkiye. The two nations stated that Thursday’s visit symbolizes the strengthening of their bilateral relations. Abiy reiterated the importance of regional cooperation, expressing readiness to collaborate with Somalia on various initiatives.
An anonymous source from the Somali presidential office remarked that the visit is part of broader efforts to implement the agreement reached in Ankara in December. Somaliland previously indicated that its agreement with Ethiopia would lead to recognition of its independence, although this claim was not confirmed. Following the renewed ties, the implications of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remain uncertain.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia marks a significant step towards reinforcing diplomatic relations between the two nations after a period of heightened tension over Somaliland. Discussions focused on vital aspects such as regional security and economic cooperation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. Although security concerns persist in Somalia, particularly with the threat of Al-Shabab, the commitment to working together indicates a potential path toward stability and enhanced partnerships.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
