Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations following a one-year period of tension over a coastline agreement involving Somaliland. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s meeting in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has paved the way for technical negotiations and enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly regarding security and regional stability.
Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement to restore their diplomatic relations, a significant step following a year of heightened tensions over a Red Sea access agreement. This decision was announced in a joint statement on January 11 after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa, where discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed were held regarding various bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.
The deterioration of relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu began last year after Ethiopia made a preliminary agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, to lease coastal areas for commercial activities and to establish a naval base. Somalia condemned this agreement as an unlawful act, expelling Ethiopia’s ambassador and closing its consulates. Additionally, Somalia has sought to strengthen ties with Egypt and Eritrea, demonstrating a collective approach to enhancing regional security.
On December 11, 2022, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan facilitated talks that led to an agreement in which both nations would explore commercial arrangements allowing landlocked Ethiopia reliable access to the sea, respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. Consequently, further technical negotiations are scheduled to commence at the end of February.
During the January 11 discussions, the leaders agreed to accelerate the technical negotiations and to restore full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. Furthermore, they acknowledged the pressing threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region and committed to enhancing cooperation between their security agencies to promote peace and stability.
The restoration of diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Somalia occurs in the context of complex historical relations characterized by territorial disputes and geopolitical interests. Somaliland’s declaration of independence in 1991 created friction since Somalia does not recognize this status. Past agreements between Ethiopia and Somaliland have exacerbated tensions, prompting Somalia to solidify alliances with neighboring countries to counter what it perceives as threats from Ethiopia. This development represents an important step towards stabilizing relations between the two countries, which are vital for regional security in the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, the recent decision by Ethiopia and Somalia to restore diplomatic relations marks a pivotal moment in their interactions, moving past a year of tension instigated by territorial disputes and agreements with Somaliland. Both nations have expressed a commitment to collaborative efforts in securing peace and stability in the region while finding solutions to enhance Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This agreement, facilitated by Turkey, signifies hope for improved relations and mutual cooperation in the future.
Original Source: new.finalcall.com
