Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on finalizing negotiations from the Ankara Declaration. This agreement aims to resolve tensions over Ethiopia’s access to Somaliland’s coastline and emphasizes dialogue and respect for Somalia’s sovereignty. The visit is seen as a crucial step in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in regional security efforts.
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to visit Mogadishu soon for important discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit is confirmed by officials from both Ethiopia and Somalia and comes after an Ethiopian advance team arrived in the Somali capital. The leaders aim to finalize technical negotiations stemming from the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last December.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, represented a pivotal moment in the historically strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The agreement sought to alleviate tensions, particularly those that arose over Ethiopia’s controversial deal concerning Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Ethiopia’s aim to secure sea access through a long-term lease of Somaliland’s coastline was met with strong opposition from Mogadishu, which perceived it as a breach of its sovereignty, intensifying fears of regional instability in the Horn of Africa.
Mediated by lengthy negotiations in Ankara, the agreement established that both nations would seek resolution through dialogue while affirmatively recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity. This declaration also laid the groundwork for Ethiopia to obtain “reliable, secure, and sustainable” maritime access through Somali ports. The ongoing technical negotiations, which began earlier this month, are expected to be completed within four months with an aim to finalize details by late spring.
A spokesperson for the Ethiopian government remarked that Abiy’s upcoming visit highlights a dedication to enhancing bilateral relations and prioritizing common interests. Somali officials expressed similar sentiments, noting this meeting builds upon the diplomatic exchanges that occurred earlier this year, including President Mohamud’s unexpected trip to Addis Ababa. Notably, a senior official stated, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara,” asserting that the nations are pursuing cooperation over hostility.
This improvement in relations has been recognized as a significant diplomatic achievement for President Erdogan, positioning Turkey as a vital mediator in the region. Turkey’s strong connections with both countries, evidenced by its military logistics in Mogadishu and arms assistance to Ethiopia, were instrumental in facilitating this accord. Analysts believe this agreement not only supports Ethiopia’s economic goals but also increases Turkey’s influence in the Horn of Africa.
The agenda for discussions in Mogadishu will likely include Ethiopia’s involvement in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, designated as AUSSOM. This new mission is set to succeed the current operation expiring this year. The Ankara Declaration has effectively reopened the pathway for Ethiopian troops to contribute to the mission, which had been threatened with expulsion due to prior disagreements.
Abiy’s visit, marking his first trip to Mogadishu since the accord, signifies a new approach for both nations after years of rivalry that hindered regional security, particularly in their joint efforts against al-Shabab militants. Both leaders are expected to address the press following their discussions, during which further information regarding the implementation of the Ankara Declaration is likely to be divulged.
The visit coincides with the presence of technical units from both countries in Somalia, facilitating preliminary discussions. The Ethiopian negotiating team’s arrival earlier this week has set the stage for progress. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi remarked that this process represents “a significant step forward” due to the commitment shown by both parties, emphasizing mutual respect and goodwill. While specifics about the exact timing of Abiy’s arrival remain undisclosed, security measures have been enhanced around key areas in anticipation of the summit.
The upcoming visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu marks a significant step towards reinforcing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. This meeting will focus on finalizing technical negotiations from the Ankara Declaration—a pivotal agreement facilitated by Turkey that aims to promote cooperation, enhance maritime access for Ethiopia, and ensure regional stability. As the nations collaborate on shared interests, this reconciliation signifies a crucial turning point in their historical ties.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
