Ethiopia and Somalia have welcomed a military agreement aimed at enhancing security cooperation and regional stability. Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, both nations emphasized the importance of normalization in bilateral relations and building mutual trust. Tensions eased after the Ankara Declaration, leading to renewed collaboration on security and economic projects.
The governments of Ethiopia and Somalia have jointly acknowledged a recent agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) commanders, deeming it a significant advancement in security cooperation and a vital step toward enhancing regional stability. During Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, the leaders expressed that the understanding contributes to the ongoing normalization of bilateral relations, highlighting their historical ties and the necessity of trust-building through diplomatic, economic, and social collaboration.
This renewed cooperation follows a period marked by diplomatic strains over Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which Somalia claimed infringed upon its sovereignty. In response, Somalia had attempted to exclude Ethiopia from participating in the AU-led mission replacing ATMIS while fostering closer military relations with Egypt. However, tensions began to dissipate following the Ankara Declaration, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which opened avenues for renewed collaboration.
A pivotal moment in reconciliation occurred during President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia in January, resulting in mutual agreement on full diplomatic representation and the enhancement of economic and security partnerships. Subsequently, on February 24, Somalia rescinded its former position, granting Ethiopia approval for participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). A statement issued at that time underscored the importance of building upon prior peacekeeping achievements, asserting that Ethiopian deployments would be coordinated through Somalia’s Federal Government.
In their recent communiqué, Ethiopia and Somalia lauded the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara, reaffirming their dedication to constructive dialogue and collaboration. They outlined prospective strategic infrastructure projects focused on economic integration, sustainable development, and reinforcing people-to-people connections. On security matters, both nations recognized the pressing threat posed by extremist groups and committed to enhancing cooperation to foster peace and stability across the region.
The leaders reaffirmed their determination to advance shared interests, deepen bilateral relations, and cultivate regional stability and prosperity. Their ongoing engagement signals a significant shift toward strengthened ties and collaborative efforts to address mutual security concerns and promote a more stable regional framework.
In conclusion, the recent military agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a crucial step in fostering security cooperation and achieving regional stability. The dialogues initiated during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu reflect a thawing of previous tensions, paving the way for enhanced economic and security collaboration. Both nations have demonstrated a commitment to building trust and addressing common challenges, particularly in combating extremism and promoting peace.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
