The African Union mission in Somalia has welcomed an agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia to restore diplomatic ties after a year of strained relations. This development follows discussions between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, emphasizing regional cooperation and security enhancements necessary for cultivating peace and prosperity in Eastern Africa.
The African Union (AU) mission in Somalia has expressed its favorable reception of a recent diplomatic agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, aimed at reinstating their diplomatic representation in each other’s capitals after a prolonged period of strained relations. Special Representative Mohamed El-Amine Souef highlighted the discussions held between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which reaffirmed previously established commitments made in Turkey to enhance ties and diminish tensions in the Eastern Africa region.
During their recent dialogue, the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia emphasized the need for improved collaboration among their diplomatic missions, particularly regarding multilateral and regional issues of shared importance. They pledged to strengthen coordination efforts to foster regional relations, mutual understanding, and collective progress. Souef remarked that this diplomatic engagement marks an “important milestone” in the bilateral relationship and underscored the need for renewed diplomatic focus, security cooperation, and economic integration to promote regional peace and prosperity.
The two nations have faced diplomatic challenges following Ethiopia’s January 2024 agreement with Somaliland— a self-proclaimed region of Somalia—which allowed Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera in return for recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somalia viewed this move as a breach of its territorial integrity, thus complicating previously strained relations.
The agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia comes after a significant diplomatic rift caused by Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland, a region that Somalia considers part of its territory. The recent discussions held between both nations’ leaders signal a commitment to restoring diplomatic channels that had been inactive due to heightened tensions following Ethiopia’s controversial recognition of Somaliland. This agreement aims to address and mitigate the ongoing geopolitical challenges within the Eastern Africa region, aligning with broader goals for stability and cooperation.
In summary, the African Union mission’s endorsement of the Somalia-Ethiopia agreement signals a pivotal step towards revitalizing bilateral relations that have been challenged in recent years. The commitment made by both nations to improve diplomatic ties and regional cooperation is a promising development for peace and economic progress in Eastern Africa. Continued collaboration will be essential in fostering stability and addressing mutual concerns, particularly in the wake of previous diplomatic disputes.
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