Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed is planning a visit to Mogadishu to meet Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit aims to advance negotiations under the Ankara Declaration, which seeks to mend relations strained by previous territorial disputes. Discussions will also cover Ethiopia’s participation in a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia. The visit signifies a shift towards cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing mutual respect and regional stability.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu soon for crucial high-level talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit follows an advance team from Ethiopia arriving in the Somali capital, reflecting efforts to finalize technical negotiations outlined in the Ankara Declaration, a pivotal agreement reached in December under Turkish mediation.
The Ankara Declaration marked a significant step in mending relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, which had become strained over Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland. This previous agreement sought to provide Ethiopia with sea access through a 50-year lease of Somaliland’s coastline, leading to concerns over Somali sovereignty and potential regional instability.
The December deal aims for both nations to resolve their differences amicably, reinforcing Somalia’s territorial integrity while enabling Ethiopia to secure sustainable access to the sea through Somali ports. Technical negotiations initiated in Ankara are expected to wrap up within four months, with both countries wanting to finalize details by late spring.
An Ethiopian spokesperson emphasized that Abiy’s visit highlights a commitment to enhance bilateral relations and prioritize shared interests. Somali officials reinforced this perspective, signaling that these discussions follow recent diplomatic interactions aimed at fostering collaboration.
A senior Somali official stated, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara.” Such cooperation is pivotal, moving the dynamics from confrontation to collaboration. This reconciliation is viewed as a diplomatic success for Turkish President Erdogan, who is seen as a regional mediator through Turkey’s involvement with both nations.
In Mogadishu, discussions will likely include Ethiopia’s role in the upcoming African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, replacing the current mission. The disparities over the Somaliland issue initially threatened the participation of Ethiopian troops, but the Ankara deal paves a pathway for their continued involvement, contingent on negotiations.
Abiy’s upcoming trip marks his first visit to Mogadishu since the December agreement, indicating a shift in relations between the two historically rival nations. Their past tensions have complicated joint efforts to address regional security issues, such as combating al-Shabab militants. Both leaders are anticipated to speak to the media post-talks, providing insights on implementing the Ankara Declaration.
As preparations for the summit continue, technical teams from both countries are currently in Somalia. An Ethiopian delegation recently arrived to facilitate these arrangements. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi termed this progress as “a significant step forward,” crediting it to “mutual tolerance and goodwill.” Security measures are heightened in Mogadishu, particularly around the airport and government sectors, in anticipation of the summit.
Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu to enhance relations with Somalia and finalize negotiations from the Ankara Declaration. This meeting represents a shift towards cooperation, addressing previously strained issues over sovereignty and regional stability. The ongoing discussions aim to facilitate Ethiopia’s access to the sea while considering the new African Union mission in Somalia. Overall, this initiative underlines a joint commitment to dialogue and mutual respect, aligning economic ambitions with regional security goals.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
