Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This meeting aims to finalize negotiations from the Ankara Declaration, which seeks to improve relations and provide Ethiopia with access to Somali ports. The discussions also include Ethiopia’s role in African Union peacekeeping efforts. Enhanced security measures are in place in anticipation of Abiy’s visit.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu for high-level discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit follows the arrival of an Ethiopian advance team in Somalia’s capital and aims to finalize negotiations stemming from the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December 2024.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the historically strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. It aimed to alleviate tensions that had escalated over Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland for coastal access. Somalia viewed this agreement as a breach of its sovereignty, prompting regional concerns about stability, involving countries such as Egypt and Eritrea.
Under the December agreement, both Ethiopia and Somalia pledged to resolve disputes through dialogue. The declaration emphasized Somalia’s territorial integrity while enabling Ethiopia to secure sustainable commercial access to the sea via Somali ports. Technical negotiations commenced earlier this month in Ankara, with a goal to finalize details within four months.
An Ethiopian government spokesperson remarked that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit highlights a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and pursuing shared interests. Somali officials echoed this sentiment, noting that the talks build on recent diplomatic interactions, including President Mohamud’s unexpected visit to Addis Ababa.
A senior Somali official stated, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara.” This reconciliation has been viewed as a diplomatic success for Turkey, which has established itself as a prominent mediator in the region. The agreement augments Ethiopia’s economic aspirations and reinforces Turkey’s influence in the Horn of Africa.
Discussions during the visit will focus on Ethiopia’s potential participation in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, replacing the current mission set to expire this year. Although Somalia had previously considered expelling Ethiopian troops over the Somaliland dispute, the Ankara agreement has opened possibilities for continued collaboration.
Abiy Ahmed’s upcoming trip represents a significant shift in relations between the two nations. Their historical rivalry poses challenges to regional security operations, including the fight against al-Shabab militants. Following their discussions, both leaders are expected to address the media, providing further insights into the implementation of the Ankara Declaration.
As Somalia prepares for the summit, security measures have been enhanced around Mogadishu. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi characterized the ongoing process as “a significant step forward,” recognizing progress due to mutual respect and goodwill. While the precise date of Abiy’s arrival remains undisclosed, the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism.
In summary, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s forthcoming visit to Mogadishu represents a potential turning point for Ethiopia-Somalia relations. The discussions aim to build on the Ankara Declaration, focusing on resolving disputes, enhancing economic cooperation, and reinforcing mutual respect. With heightened security and anticipation for outcomes from the summit, both nations exhibit commitment to fostering a cooperative regional environment.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
