Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to reinforce ties with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud after a diplomatic dispute over Somaliland. They discussed regional security, economic collaboration, and infrastructure projects amidst mortar attacks reported near Mogadishu. Diplomatic relations were previously restored after intervention by Turkey, though Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remains uncertain.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made a significant visit to Somalia to meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aiming to strengthen their fragile reconciliation following a diplomatic dispute related to the separatist region of Somaliland. The leaders discussed various critical matters including regional peace and security, economic collaboration, and the potential for joint infrastructure projects. Ahead of the meeting, the Somali government emphasized the importance of addressing regional terrorism in their discussions.
Shortly after the Ethiopian delegation’s passage near the presidential palace, mortar attacks occurred in areas close to Mogadishu airport. The connection of these attacks to Prime Minister Abiy’s arrival remains uncertain, though airport security confirmed that his delegation departed without any incidents. Somalia continues to grapple with instability, largely due to the influence and actions of the Islamist group Al-Shabab.
Last year tensions escalated between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which promised access to the sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. However, diplomatic relations were restored in January following mediation by Turkey. The joint statement issued after Abiy’s visit underscored that the meeting served to bolster normalized relations between the nations.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy stressed the necessity of regional cooperation, stating that they are prepared to collaborate with Somalia to turn this vision into reality. An anonymous source from the Somali presidential palace noted that Abiy’s visit is part of a broader strategy to implement the Ankara agreement reached in December. Meanwhile, the outcome of Ethiopia’s previous deal with Somaliland remains ambiguous in light of this rapprochement.
In summary, the recent meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud marks a pivotal step in reaffirming their diplomatic relations, which had been strained over the Somaliland issue. The discussion on vital topics, including fighting regional terrorism, reflects both countries’ commitment to cooperation. However, the ongoing security challenges posed by Al-Shabab and the uncertainty surrounding the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement continue to pose significant challenges to stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
