Somalia and Ethiopia have announced a new military pact enhancing cooperation based on mutual respect for sovereignty, marking a positive turn in bilateral relations after previous tensions. Key military leaders approved this agreement during a recent visit by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister. The pact aims to improve security collaboration and ensure both nations’ stability, reflecting a commitment to diplomatic and economic engagement.
Somalia and Ethiopia have recently expressed their enthusiasm for a newly established military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). This accord emphasizes mutual respect for each nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, marking a significant step toward enhanced collaboration.
General Odowaa Yusuf Rage of the SNA and Field Marshal Birhanu Jula convened prior to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Mogadishu, where the agreement received official endorsement. Subsequent to this meeting, a joint declaration highlighted the importance of the deal in fostering security cooperation and stability in the region.
Both leaders acknowledged that this agreement signifies a normalization of relations after a period of diplomatic tension stemming from Ethiopia’s previous engagement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. This diplomatic setback had prompted Somalia to align itself with Egypt, Ethiopia’s historical competitor.
However, recent developments indicate renewed ties, as both nations have agreed on the Ethiopian National Defense Forces’ participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Additionally, they have established technical teams to explore methods for Ethiopia to access the sea without infringing on Somalia’s sovereignty.
President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia in January was a notable marker of reconciliation, leading both countries to agree on a more robust diplomatic representation alongside expanded economic and security partnerships. Turkey’s involvement was pivotal in the mediation throughout these discussions.
The AUSSOM initiative involves troops from multiple countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Egypt, and Uganda, totaling approximately 11,900 military personnel. Notably, Burundi has expressed intentions to withdraw its forces due to unresolved discrepancies over troop numbers with Somalia.
In conclusion, the newly forged military pact between Somalia and Ethiopia signals a thaw in relations and establishes a framework for enhanced collaboration based on mutual respect for sovereignty. This agreement comes after a turbulent period strained by Ethiopia’s previous dealings with Somaliland but represents a commitment to collaborative security efforts in the region. Both nations are poised to strengthen their bilateral ties through ongoing engagements and support from external mediators.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
