Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia for talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on reconciliation and key issues including security and counterterrorism. Following his arrival, mortar attacks occurred near the airport, although links to the visit remain unclear. Tensions persist due to past agreements with Somaliland, but diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have recently improved.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Somalia to meet with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with discussions centered on enhancing reconciliation between the two nations. The agenda included crucial topics such as security, political relations, diplomacy, economics, and counterterrorism initiatives in the region. The Somali government confirmed the significance of these talks for both countries’ future stability.
The Ethiopian delegation reported a secure arrival at the airport; however, shortly thereafter, mortar attacks were reported near the airport as their convoy headed towards the presidential palace. Residents in the vicinity experienced disruptions, with reports indicating civilian casualties, including an elderly woman injured by shell fire. There remains uncertainty regarding the linkage of these incidents to the Prime Minister’s visit, as security conditions in Somalia are highly volatile, dominated by the Islamist group Al-Shabaab.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia heightened last year following Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, aimed at securing maritime access. However, in January, both nations restored their diplomatic ties following a peace deal facilitated by Turkey. A source from the Somali presidential palace noted that Abiy’s visit is part of ongoing efforts to actualize the Ankara agreement, which was designed to stabilize relations.
While Somaliland anticipated recognition of its independence in exchange for a naval base from Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government has not confirmed this arrangement. Somalia strongly opposed the agreement and responded by recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia. Despite the recent warming of diplomatic relations, the fate of Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland remains uncertain, consequently affecting the dynamics between the countries involved.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia represents a critical step towards reconciliation and improved diplomatic relations between the two nations. With ongoing security concerns due to the presence of Al-Shabaab, both leaders’ discussions encompass vital matters that directly influence their geopolitical stability. The aftermath of Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland adds complexity to these dialogical efforts, highlighting the delicate balance of regional alliances.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
