Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to strengthen ties with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud after tensions over Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. The leaders committed to cooperation, with ongoing technical talks in Turkey to resolve maritime access disputes. Security was heightened in Mogadishu during the visit, signaling a diplomatic turnaround between the nations.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu on Thursday to meet Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aiming to improve relations strained by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland for sea access, which Somalia disputes. Security in the Somali capital was heightened with increased measures at Aden Ade International Airport and along roads leading to the presidential palace, with traffic restrictions in place.
Upon Abiy’s arrival, the Ethiopian flags were displayed at the airport, and he was welcomed by the Somali National Music Band and traditional dancers. Following their meeting, the two leaders issued a joint statement underscoring their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit, highlighting their interdependence and shared vision for regional stability.
The leaders also acknowledged the commencement of technical talks in Turkey aimed at addressing the issues surrounding the Ethiopian-Somaliland agreement. Under this deal, Ethiopia is set to lease a section of Somaliland’s coastline for 50 years in exchange for recognizing Somaliland diplomatically, although Somalia opposes this arrangement.
Despite Somaliland operating separately since 1991, it lacks international recognition as a sovereign state, partly due to Somalia’s objections. Details surrounding the Ethiopian plans remain undisclosed, but there are indications of a naval base construction. After a previous period of heightened diplomatic tension, a mediation agreement facilitated by Turkish President Erdogan was reached, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Under the Ankara agreement, discussions are ongoing about granting Ethiopia a commercial port’s access, though Ethiopia has yet to officially withdraw from the Somaliland deal. Notably, Somali President Mohamud made a surprise visit to Ethiopia in January, indicating a shift towards confidence-building measures between the two nations.
Analysts suggest that these high-profile visits serve as a precursor to Turkish President Erdogan’s forthcoming visit to both Somalia and Ethiopia. They stress that building trust and progressing technical talks are crucial for reaching a viable agreement that upholds Somalia’s territorial integrity while accommodating Ethiopia’s maritime needs.
In summary, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia marks a significant step towards repairing diplomatic ties strained by disputes over Somaliland. The meeting reaffirms their commitment to mutual cooperation and regional stability, while technical discussions in Turkey aim to resolve the ongoing tensions regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea. High-profile engagements signal a focused effort on confidence-building and the pursuit of a balanced agreement.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
