Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s surprise visit to Ethiopia aims to strengthen bilateral relations following last month’s Ankara Declaration, which addressed sovereignty concerns surrounding a controversial maritime deal with Somaliland. This visit, his first after being allegedly obstructed by Ethiopian forces, highlights efforts to enhance economic cooperation and regional stability, including discussions with other East African leaders.
On Saturday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an unexpected visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, just one month after a significant diplomatic agreement aimed at resolving a contentious dispute between the two nations. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Mohamud at the airport, signifying a thaw in relations following the Ankara Declaration, which was designed to respect each nation’s sovereignty and unity. The two leaders are expected to discuss collaborative efforts to enhance bilateral relations and tackle shared priorities.
The controversial backdrop of this visit stems from a maritime access deal between Ethiopia and the self-declared region of Somaliland, which Somalia vehemently opposed. This has prompted Somalia to label the agreement as a violation of its sovereignty. Despite these tensions, the Ankara Declaration facilitated a mutual commitment to improving economic ties and respect for territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of cooperative arrangements for Ethiopia’s access to sea resources.
During his time in Ethiopia, President Mohamud was greeted warmly, with electronic displays in the streets of Addis Ababa projecting messages of welcome alongside the flags of both countries. This visit follows an earlier incident in February 2024, when he claimed he was obstructed from entering the African Union headquarters by Ethiopian security forces. Mohamud’s trip is part of a broader regional effort to strengthen alliances, aided by discussions with other East African leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Kenyan President William Ruto.
Analyzing the regional dynamics, Ruto noted that commercial exchanges have amplified significantly since Somalia joined the East African Community last year, with Somalia’s imports from Kenya reaching approximately $38 million in the first nine months of 2024. Moreover, collaborative security initiatives remain critical for enhancing stability in Somalia, with regional leaders affirming their commitment to this aim. Overall, President Mohamud’s visit symbolizes a pivotal moment in rekindling relations between Somalia and Ethiopia amid previous tensions.
The recent diplomatic interactions between Somalia and Ethiopia are set against a backdrop of historical disputes, primarily stemming from agreements involving the breakaway region of Somaliland. The Ankara Declaration, crafted through mediation by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sought to address these territorial grievances and foster cooperation. Ethiopia’s arrangements with Somaliland, which Somalia termed a serious infringement upon its sovereignty, intensified diplomatic strains. However, the commitment voiced in the Ankara Declaration to uphold each nation’s territorial rights and to collaborate economically signals a potential pivot towards stability and mutual growth in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia marks a critical step in mending relations following a year of heightened tension over territorial disputes involving Somaliland. The renewed commitment to mutual respect and economic collaboration outlined by the Ankara Declaration could herald a new era in Somalia-Ethiopia relations. Leaders in the region underscore the significance of cooperative security measures and economic integration as pathways to stability, reinforcing the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
