Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu to meet with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on finalizing negotiations from the Ankara Declaration. This declaration aims to improve Ethiopia-Somalia relations by addressing territorial integrity and commercial access. The visit is viewed as a significant diplomatic step to bolster cooperation between the two nations, underscoring Turkey’s mediating role.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as confirmed by officials from both nations. This visit follows the deployment of an Ethiopian advance team to Somalia. The discussions will focus on finalizing technical negotiations stemming from the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last December, aimed at improving relations between the two countries.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in Ethiopia-Somalia relations, alleviating tensions from disputes concerning Ethiopia’s 50-year lease for sea access in Somaliland. This lease, which was contested by Mogadishu, was viewed as a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty and sparked concerns about regional stability, attracting interest from powers such as Egypt and Eritrea.
The agreement reached in Ankara commits both Ethiopia and Somalia to engage in dialogue to resolve their issues while affirming Somalia’s territorial integrity. It also establishes a framework for Ethiopia to secure consistent commercial access to the sea via Somali ports, which is critical given Ethiopia’s status as a landlocked nation. Technical negotiations are ongoing and expected to conclude in four months, with both sides eager to finalize details by late spring.
An Ethiopian spokesperson noted that Prime Minister Abiy’s upcoming visit reflects a dedication to enhancing bilateral relations and addressing shared interests. Somali officials mirrored this sentiment, highlighting that these discussions build upon recent diplomatic gestures, including President Mohamud’s earlier visit to Addis Ababa and engagements by Ethiopian defense officials in Mogadishu.
A senior Somali official remarked on the significance of the impending visit, stating, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara. We are moving toward cooperation, not confrontation.” The reconciliation between the two nations is viewed as a diplomatic success for Turkey, which plays a central role in regional mediation and has maintained deep ties with both countries.
The agenda for discussions in Mogadishu also includes Ethiopia’s participation in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Concerns about a potential Ethiopian troop expulsion due to past disputes have been mitigated by the Ankara deal, allowing for their continued presence under new, negotiated conditions.
Prime Minister Abiy’s visit, which marks his first trip to Mogadishu since the signing of the December agreement, represents a significant shift in the historically strained relationship. As they conclude their talks, both leaders are anticipated to address the media, providing further insights into the implementation of the Ankara Declaration.
In preparation for the summit, security in Mogadishu has been heightened, particularly around the airport and government district. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi emphasized the importance of this diplomatic progress, attributing it to a spirit of “mutual tolerance and goodwill.” Though an exact date for the visit has not been disclosed, the preparations signal the seriousness of this engagement.
The upcoming visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu for discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signifies a crucial step towards strengthening ties between the two nations. Following the progress made through the Ankara Declaration, both countries are focused on establishing collaborative relations that enhance regional stability. This engagement is pivotal not only for Ethiopia’s economic aspirations but also for Turkey’s influence in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
