Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on finalizing agreements from the Ankara Declaration. This visit aims to strengthen ties between the neighboring countries amid previous tensions over territorial disputes. Key discussions will include peacekeeping roles and enhancing economic cooperation, reflecting a significant diplomatic shift in the region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is planning a visit to Mogadishu to engage in critical discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This trip is confirmed by officials from both nations and will follow an advance team from Ethiopia arriving in Somalia. The primary objective is to finalize technical negotiations related to the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December 2024.
The Ankara Declaration has been instrumental in mending the previously strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. It addresses tensions that arose over Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which sought to secure access to the sea through a long-term lease. Somalia viewed this arrangement as an infringement on its sovereignty, escalating fears of instability in the region.
The December agreement emphasizes dialogue and mutual respect, asserting Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia commercial access to ports. These technical negotiations, which commenced in Ankara earlier this month, are scheduled for completion within four months, with expectations to finalize the details by late spring.
An Ethiopian government spokesperson highlighted that this visit demonstrates a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and achieving shared goals. Somali officials have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that recent diplomatic exchanges, including President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia, have fostered a cooperative atmosphere amid past conflicts.
A senior Somali official noted that the upcoming visit reflects the progress made since the Ankara Declaration, stating, “We’re moving toward cooperation, not confrontation.” This reconciliation is viewed as a diplomatic success for Turkey, which has established itself as a mediator due to its strong ties with both countries, including military collaboration.
Key discussions during the visit will include Ethiopia’s role in the upcoming African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Previous tensions over Ethiopian troop presence due to the Somaliland issue have eased under the new agreement, allowing for continued engagement in peacekeeping efforts.
Abiy Ahmed’s first visit to Mogadishu post-December agreement signals a fresh chapter for Ethiopian-Somali relations, which have historically complicated regional security. Following their discussions, both leaders are anticipated to update the media on the implementation of the Ankara Declaration.
As Somalia prepares to host Ethiopian technical teams, Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi regarded the ongoing talks as “a significant step forward” that showcases progress through “mutual tolerance and goodwill.” Although a specific date for Abiy’s visit is not publicized, security measures around Mogadishu have been heightened in readiness for the summit.
The upcoming visit of Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu signifies a crucial step towards resolving long-standing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. The discussions are centered around key elements of the Ankara Declaration, aiming to enhance cooperation and address mutual security concerns. This evolving relationship is pivotal not just for the two nations, but for regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
