Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, visits Mogadishu to strengthen ties with Somalia amidst existing tensions following a controversial agreement with Somaliland. This diplomatic mission aims to implement the Ankara Declaration, transition Ethiopian troops, and enhance security cooperation against threats like Al-Shabaab, while garnering regional support for stability in Somalia.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, is leading a diplomatic delegation to Mogadishu in a crucial attempt to mend relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. This visit follows growing tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway Somaliland region, which Somalia views as an infringement on its sovereignty. During this meeting, the focus will be on the implementation of the Ankara Declaration aimed at normalizing bilateral relations and the transition of Ethiopian troops from the African Union Transition Mission to the new African Union Support to Somalia Mission.
The discussions will center on security cooperation amid efforts to alleviate diplomatic strains and address joint threats such as the persistent Al-Shabaab militant group. The Ethiopian military presence in Somalia, with approximately 3,000 troops, has been contentious, leading Somalia to previously threaten to remove them from the country. Meanwhile, Egypt has pledged to support Somalia’s security stance by contributing over 5,000 troops to the new mission, illustrating broader regional interests in stabilizing the area.
Aisha Mohammed, a significant advocate for gender equality in leadership within Ethiopia, bears considerable diplomatic influence in these negotiations. Her presence signifies Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing discussions despite prior disagreements surrounding the memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. The visit is viewed as a pivotal step towards de-escalating regional tensions and fostering collaborative efforts to combat mutual security threats.
The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been strained since the signing of a controversial maritime agreement in 2024, which marked a significant shift in the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa. The tensions were exacerbated by Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, granting it access to the Red Sea, contrary to Somalia’s claims of sovereignty over the region. In recent months, both nations have expressed a desire to normalize relations, culminating in the Ankara Declaration, which aims to resolve outstanding issues and enhance security cooperation. The presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia under the African Union framework also remains a critical topic of discussion as both nations navigate their complex relationship amidst regional security challenges, including those posed by militant groups such as Al-Shabaab.
In conclusion, the high-level diplomatic visit led by Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed to Mogadishu signifies a significant effort to repair relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The discussions aimed at implementing the Ankara Declaration, transitioning military missions, and enhancing security cooperation could lead to a new chapter in their bilateral ties. As regional dynamics continue to evolve with external support from nations such as Egypt, the impetus for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa remains crucial for both nations.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
