Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently visited Somalia, signaling an end to a year-long tension regarding Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland. He and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed enhancing bilateral relations in areas including peace, economy, and security. Prior to his arrival, there were reports of mortar attacks near the airport, allegedly linked to Al-Shabab militants.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia, signaling the end of a year-long dispute regarding Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s office reported that he and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in extensive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on peace, security, economic collaboration, diplomatic ties, and joint infrastructure opportunities.
Previously, Abiy Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met twice in Addis Ababa after signing the Turkish-mediated Ankara Agreement in December 2023, which was believed to have averted potential military conflict. Diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia had previously deteriorated following tension over an MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as a sovereign violation since Somaliland has been unrecognized for over three decades.
Upon his arrival at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Abiy Ahmed thanked Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the warm welcome on his social media. Notably, reports indicate that prior to his arrival, mortar shells were fired near the airport, believed to be linked to Al-Shabab militants, although official confirmation remains pending.
During their meeting, security challenges were addressed, along with economic diplomacy and potential infrastructure partnerships. Following the discussions, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a joint communiqué reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation and mutual benefits, underscoring the importance of historical ties and shared borders between the nations.
Despite the positive resolution of conflicts with Somalia, Abiy Ahmed’s administration faces ongoing challenges, particularly with hosts of struggles in the northern regions and deteriorating relations with Eritrea, with which Somalia signed a tripartite agreement in October 2024. There are reports of increased military mobilization in Eritrea, although the accuracy of these claims is contested by some Eritrean activists.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia marks a significant step towards reconciliation following a period of heightened tensions over an MoU with Somaliland. The discussions between the two leaders reflect an earnest commitment to rebuild diplomatic, economic, and security relations. Despite these positive developments, challenges persist for Abiy Ahmed’s government, especially regarding conflicts in northern Ethiopia and strained relations with Eritrea.
Original Source: borkena.com
