Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu to engage in high-level discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, following the advancement of the Ankara Declaration. This aim is to resolve previous tensions over Somaliland and foster stronger bilateral ties. The visit marks a pivotal moment for both nations as they seek to enhance cooperation and ensure regional stability.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to visit Mogadishu for high-level discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit follows the arrival of an Ethiopian advance team in the Somali capital, as both nations work to finalize technical negotiations laid out in the Ankara Declaration, an essential agreement established in December, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, marked a significant shift in Ethiopia-Somalia relations, easing tensions caused by Ethiopia’s controversial agreement involving Somaliland. This arrangement aimed to provide Ethiopia with sea access through a long-term lease of Somaliland’s coastline, which Mogadishu opposed, claiming it violated its sovereignty and threatened regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
The December accord promotes dialogue and harmony, reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity while giving landlocked Ethiopia a pathway for “reliable, secure, and sustainable” commercial access to Somali ports. Technical negotiations, which began earlier this month, are expected to conclude within four months, aiming to finalize details by late spring.
An Ethiopian government spokesperson noted that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit illustrates a commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations and collaborative priorities. Somali officials echoed this view, emphasizing the positive developments from diplomatic exchanges, including President Mohamud’s recent surprise visit to Addis Ababa and the Ethiopian defense minister’s trip to Mogadishu.
A senior Somali official remarked, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara. We’re moving toward cooperation, not confrontation.” This reconciliation is viewed as a diplomatic success for Turkey, which has established itself as a pivotal mediator in the region, leveraging its military ties to both Ethiopia and Somalia.
Among the topics set for discussion in Mogadishu is Ethiopia’s potential participation in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The recent accord allows the possibility for Ethiopian troops to remain active under negotiated terms despite prior threats of expulsion over the Somaliland dispute.
Prime Minister Abiy’s upcoming visit, his first since the December agreement, signifies a new era of cooperation between the two neighboring nations. Their longstanding rivalry has historically complicated efforts to enhance regional security, particularly in combating al-Shabab militants. Both leaders are anticipated to address the media following their discussions, elucidating the implementation details of the Ankara Declaration.
As Somalia prepares to host the technical teams from both countries, with Ethiopian negotiators having arrived to establish the groundwork, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi described the ongoing process as “a significant step forward,” highlighting the essential elements of tolerance and goodwill. Security measures around Mogadishu’s airport have been increased in anticipation of the summit, though specifics regarding the timing of Abiy’s arrival remain undisclosed.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s impending visit to Mogadishu underscores a commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The ongoing negotiations following the Ankara Declaration aim to bolster trust and resolve previous conflicts, focusing on collaboration rather than confrontation. The visit signifies a promising step forward in regional stability and security, particularly in addressing shared challenges such as combating al-Shabab militants and contributing to the new African Union peacekeeping mission.
Original Source: garoweonline.com
