Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations after a year-long rift caused by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. Following a visit by Somalia’s president to Addis Ababa, both nations expressed commitment to enhance bilateral relations. The resolution comes after tensions sparked by Ethiopia’s port access deal with Somaliland, amidst concerns over regional security cooperation against al-Shabaab.
Somalia and Ethiopia have reached an accord to restore diplomatic relations more than a year after Somalia cut ties due to Ethiopia’s controversial sea access agreement with Somaliland. Following a significant visit by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Addis Ababa, both nations announced their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their capitals. This was highlighted by Mesganu Arga Moach, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, as a major advancement in their partnership.
The recent turn in relations follows Ethiopia’s signing of a memorandum with Somaliland that sparked tensions in 2023. The agreement granted Ethiopia access to a Somaliland port while recognizing Somaliland’s independence—a status neither Somalia nor the international community acknowledges. Somalia responded with accusations of territorial annexation, leading to threats of war and the risk of deteriorating security cooperation against al-Shabaab, an insurgent group in Somalia.
While Somalia has indicated it does not oppose Ethiopia’s desire for port access, it remains concerned about bypassing the central government and unauthorized territorial use for military facilities. The meeting in Addis Ababa established a “one-door policy,” ensuring Ethiopia must consult Somalia regarding Somaliland.
The reconciliation follows mediation by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in recent talks between the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia, culminating in the Ankara declaration focusing on resolving issues through dialogue. The backdrop includes Somalia’s foreign minister participating in discussions in Cairo alongside Eritrea and Egypt, forming an alliance countering Ethiopia amid concerns over military presence by non-littoral states in the Red Sea.
The diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia had been strained primarily due to Ethiopia’s pact with Somaliland, a region that has declared independence from Somalia. Somaliland’s status remains unrecognized, leading to significant tensions particularly regarding territorial integrity and regional security. This agreement provided Ethiopia with critical port access while Somalia viewed it as an infringement on its sovereignty, thus complicating bilateral security arrangements, especially in the ongoing fight against extremist groups like al-Shabaab. The recent reconciliation efforts reflect a notable shift towards improving diplomatic ties and fostering collaborative regional security arrangements.
The agreement to restore diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia signifies a pivotal moment in East African geopolitics, with implications for regional stability and cooperation against insurgency. As both countries navigate their complex history, this development illustrates the potential for improved dialogue and partnership, bolstered by international mediation. Ongoing discussions will be critical in addressing mutual concerns while ensuring that both nations respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
