Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu on February 27, 2025, meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. This visit follows the “Ankara Declaration,” aimed at fostering reconciliation and mutual respect for sovereignty between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia will provide troops to support Somalia’s military efforts against jihadist groups, with Turkey facilitating diplomatic relations.
On February 27, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu, where he was welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. This visit signifies a pivotal development in the reconciliation efforts between Ethiopia and Somalia, furthered by the “Ankara Declaration” signed in December, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Ankara Declaration entails mutual commitments to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It notably leads Ethiopia to retract the memorandum from January 1, 2024, which would have recognized the Somali region of Somaliland for fifty years in exchange for coastal access for its naval forces. The Somali government had criticized that agreement as a violation of its territorial sovereignty.
In early 2024, Turkey offered to mediate between the two nations, culminating in the Ankara Declaration, where Somalia agreed to ensure Ethiopia’s secure maritime access under its authority. Concurrently, Ethiopia has committed to deploying 2,500 troops to the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which aims to bolster the Somali military in countering jihadist threats.
Turkey’s longstanding military presence in Somalia and the improved relations between Ethiopia and Turkey have been fostered by the alignment of political parties in both nations. Currently, a delegation from Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party is participating in the 8th AKP Congress in Turkey. This engagement further solidifies the renewed cooperation between the two nations, enhancing stability in the Horn of Africa.
The recent visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu marks a significant step in the efforts to reconcile Ethiopia and Somalia, guided by the Ankara Declaration. This agreement prioritizes mutual respect for sovereignty and paves the way for military cooperation in Somalia. Both nations are taking decisive actions to promote regional stability, with Turkey playing a crucial role as a mediator and supporter.
Original Source: www.fides.org
