Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a new military agreement to enhance collaboration and respect territorial integrity. This development follows months of diplomatic strain, particularly due to Ethiopia’s previous engagements with Somaliland. The recent accord and discussions signal a thaw in relations and a commitment to bolster security cooperation and regional stability.
Recently, Somalia and Ethiopia celebrated a significant military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). This pact promotes collaboration founded on mutual respect for each nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The accord was discussed during a meeting between General Odowaa Yusuf Rage of the SNA and Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, shortly before President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Mogadishu.
Following Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to Mogadishu, a joint statement was released declaring the military agreement as a vital advancement towards enhancing security cooperation and improving regional stability. Both leaders acknowledged that this development signifies the normalization of bilateral relations following months of diplomatic strains. They recognized their shared historical ties and stressed the necessity of fostering trust through increased diplomatic, economic, and social engagement.
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia had soured last year, primarily due to Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which proposed access to the Red Sea in return for international recognition. In response, Somalia resorted to a military agreement with Egypt, a traditional adversary of Ethiopia, and limited the involvement of the ENDF in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The two nations have since reconciled regarding the role of the ENDF in AUSSOM, which commenced in January. They have also committed to assembling technical teams to explore pathways for Ethiopia’s access to the sea that respects Somalia’s sovereignty. Furthermore, President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia this January was pivotal, resulting in an agreement for full diplomatic representation and enhanced bilateral cooperation in security and economics.
The AUSSOM mission comprises troops from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Egypt, and Uganda, totaling approximately 11,900 personnel. Despite this, Burundi has threatened to withdraw its contingent due to disputes over troop numbers, seeking the addition of 1,000 soldiers. Turkey has been instrumental in mediating discussions between the two nations to ease tensions.
In summary, the newly established military pact between Somalia and Ethiopia marks a monumental step towards strengthened bilateral relations and regional stability. By emphasizing mutual respect and territorial integrity, both countries have signaled a commitment to security cooperation, overcoming previous diplomatic challenges. This realignment underscores the importance of diplomatic dialogue, exemplified by key visits and agreements between their leaders.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
