Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia to enhance relations following a peace deal mediated by Turkiye. The nations aim to resolve long-standing tensions regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea and its arrangement with Somaliland. Meanwhile, Somalia aligns with Egypt and Eritrea against Ethiopia’s regional ambitions, reflecting ongoing complexities in the Horn of Africa.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arrived in Ethiopia on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations following a recent peace agreement. This visit aims to enhance the collaboration established in the accord mediated by Turkiye, which seeks to address long-standing tensions, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes and its contentious dealings with Somaliland.
Ethiopia has pursued access to the sea, which has historically contributed to friction with Somalia. The situation escalated after Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland a year ago, which involved a port and military cooperation in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. However, the peace deal reached last month by President Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has aimed to defuse the situation.
President Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa is perceived as a step forward in addressing unresolved issues, including the nature of Ethiopia’s maritime access as hinted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Furthermore, while there are promising moves toward cooperation, both the implications of the agreement with Somaliland and the broader regional dynamics, particularly with neighboring nations such as Egypt and Eritrea, remain intricate and unresolved.
Simultaneously, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi convened with counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea, denoting a united front against Ethiopia’s aspirations. A joint statement underscored that “the Red Sea and its security is subject only to the will of the countries on its coast.” The evolving regional alliances hint at a strategic recalibration influenced by shared concerns about Ethiopia’s ambitions, including a renewed military partnership between Egypt and Somalia in response to insurgency threats.
The Horn of Africa has long been marred by complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. Both nations have faced historical grievances, primarily surrounding territorial disputes and Ethiopia’s interests in Somaliland. The recent initiative for peace, facilitated by Turkey, aims to navigate these challenges, reflecting broader regional interests involving other countries such as Egypt and Eritrea. This evolving landscape is crucial for understanding the stability and security of the region, as cooperation and conflict often intersect in this volatile area.
In conclusion, the recent visit of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia signifies an important step in fostering peace and collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia. As both nations work to address the aftermath of previous tensions, the resolution of Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes and the impacts of its dealings with Somaliland remain pivotal. Additionally, the strengthening of alliances among Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea indicates ongoing regional complexities that necessitate careful diplomatic navigation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
