Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to engage with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in discussions focused on enhancing reconciliation. Key topics included security, political relations, and counterterrorism efforts. Despite diplomatic progress, the region remains troubled by instability, notably from Al-Shabaab, following recent mortar attacks. The future of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland also remains unclear, amidst ongoing tensions and protests from Mogadishu.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia on Thursday to engage in critical discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aimed at reinforcing reconciliation between the two nations. According to a statement from the Somali government, key areas of focus for the talks include security, political collaboration, diplomacy, economics, and efforts to counterterrorism within the region.
Upon arrival, security officials confirmed that Prime Minister Abiy’s delegation safely departed the airport without incident. However, following the convoy’s departure towards the presidential palace, residents reported mortar attacks in proximity to the airport. While the source of the attacks remains uncertain, Somalia continues to grapple with instability, particularly due to the presence of the Islamist group Al-Shabaab.
Local resident Abdiraham Hassan informed AFP, “Two rounds of mortar shells landed in Bulohubey neighbourhood. An elderly woman was wounded after the shell exploded close to her house.” A member of the Ethiopian delegation, when approached by AFP, stated they were not aware of any such attacks.
Tensions have escalated between Ethiopia and Somalia since last year after Ethiopia agreed to terms with the breakaway region of Somaliland regarding access to the sea. However, in January, both nations restored their diplomatic relations following a peace deal supported by Turkey, which has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between them.
An anonymous source at the Somali presidential palace indicated to AFP that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit forms part of a larger strategy to advance the implementation of the Ankara agreement, which pertains to the recent diplomatic engagements. With Somaliland asserting that the January 2024 agreement with Ethiopia would yield recognition of its independence in exchange for naval base access, there remains ambiguity as Ethiopia has not confirmed this.
Mogadishu expressed strong opposition to this deal and responded by recalling its ambassador from Addis Ababa as a form of protest. Despite recent efforts to mend ties, the future of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remains uncertain.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia signifies an essential step towards strengthening regional ties and addressing various critical issues, including security and counterterrorism. The ongoing security situation, marked by recent mortar attacks, underscores the challenges faced in stabilizing the region. As diplomatic relations evolve, the implications of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland continue to generate contention.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
