Ethiopia’s Defense Minister, Aisha Mohammed, is visiting Mogadishu to mend ties with Somalia, following tensions from a maritime agreement and troop presence. The visit aims to implement the Ankara Declaration and focus on security cooperation, crucial for regional stability against groups like Al-Shabaab. Egypt also commits support, contributing troops to aid Somalia.
On Thursday, Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, is scheduled to lead a high-level delegation to Mogadishu, Somalia, in a significant move aimed at repairing the strained relations between the two countries. This diplomatic mission occurs in the wake of growing tensions subsequent to Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with the breakaway Somaliland region, which has garnered Somalian opposition as a breach of its sovereignty.
The trip is intended to operationalize the Ankara Declaration, a recent agreement designed to normalize Ethiopia-Somalia relations, and address the critical issue of the transition of Ethiopian troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to a newly established African Union Support to Somalia Mission (AUSSOM). Currently, approximately 3,000 Ethiopian forces are stationed in Somalia, a presence that has encountered significant pushback from Somali officials, who have previously threatened removal.
During this visit, the focal points will include enhancing security cooperation and advancing the execution of the Ankara agreement, illustrating a mutual intent to surmount the diplomatic discord that has characterized their interactions. Moreover, this initiative holds the potential to significantly reduce regional tensions and foster collaborative strategies to combat shared security concerns, particularly the persistent threat from the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Furthermore, Egypt has pledged to support Somalia’s position by contributing over 5,000 troops to AUSSOM, underscoring a broader regional commitment to Somalia’s stability. Minister Aisha Mohammed, recognized for her leadership in promoting gender equality within Ethiopia, lends substantial strategic weight to the ongoing discussions, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue despite previous strains emanating from the recent memorandum.
The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has faced considerable challenges, particularly following the signing of a controversial maritime agreement in 2024 that exacerbated tensions. The memorandum between Ethiopia and Somaliland has further complicated matters, leading to Somalia’s accusations of sovereignty violations. The Ankara Declaration has emerged as a pivotal agreement aimed at mending relations, delineating a framework for cooperation and troop transitions essential for stabilizing the region.
In summary, the visit by Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense to Somalia signifies a critical step in re-establishing diplomatic relations and addressing pressing security concerns. The dialogue surrounding the Ankara Declaration and the transition of Ethiopian troops aims to alleviate regional tensions while combatting the threats posed by militant groups. This high-level engagement represents an opportunity for both nations to advance their partnership and promote regional stability.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
