Somalia and Ethiopia have restored their diplomatic relations after a year-long rift exacerbated by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. The reconciliation occurred during President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia, where both leaders committed to strengthening cooperation in trade and security. However, unresolved issues remain regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea and its agreements with Somaliland, while regional tensions continue to pose challenges.
On January 11, Somalia and Ethiopia have officially restored diplomatic relations, concluding a year-long rift that had exacerbated instability in the Horn of Africa. This reconciliation occurred during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia, where he and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed their determinations to enhance their bilateral relations. “We will restore and enhance our bilateral relations through full diplomatic relations in our respective capitals,” they stated in a joint declaration.
The discord originated when Ethiopia entered into a controversial agreement with Somaliland, which is recognized as Somalia’s breakaway region. The agreement, which allegedly included a recognition of Somaliland’s independence in return for access to a Red Sea port and establishing a military base, resulted in significant outrage in Mogadishu, leading to the expulsion of Ethiopia’s ambassador and the severing of ties in the previous year. This reconciliation followed a peace deal mediated by Turkey that had been signed in December, paving the way for the renewal of relations.
During his discussions with Prime Minister Abiy, President Mohamud also addressed the necessity of enhancing cooperation on trade and security, especially regarding efforts to combat extremist militant organizations threatening the region. Nevertheless, unresolved issues linger, particularly concerning the details of Ethiopia’s potential access to the coast. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted that the peace agreement might grant Ethiopia such access, yet specific details remain ambiguous. Furthermore, the status of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland continues to be a matter of uncertainty.
Regional tensions were brought to the forefront just before President Mohamud’s visit, as Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi engaged in a meeting with his Egyptian and Eritrean counterparts in Cairo. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that the security of the Red Sea is exclusively under the jurisdiction of the coastal nations. This coalition amongst Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, formed in October, reflects a shared opposition to Ethiopia’s expanding regional influence. Additionally, Egyptian forces are participating in the recently launched African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) aimed at combating Islamist insurgents in the country.
The diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have been fraught with tension, particularly stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. This agreement not only challenged Somalia’s territorial integrity but also heightened regional tensions. The rekindling of diplomatic ties represents a significant shift towards stability in a region often troubled by conflict and territorial disputes.
In summary, the restoration of diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia marks a pivotal moment in the resolution of regional tensions within the Horn of Africa. While the peace agreement mediated by Turkey lays the groundwork for collaboration, questions regarding Ethiopia’s territorial ambitions and maritime access remain. The ongoing dynamics involving Somaliland and the broader regional alliances will require continued dialogue to ensure sustained peace and cooperation.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
