Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu, welcomed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed, marking a step towards reconciliation between Ethiopia and Somalia. Their recent Ankara Declaration emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty while Ethiopia withdraws from recognizing Somaliland’s independence. Ethiopia commits to sending troops to AUSSOM to combat regional jihadism, as Turkey facilitates collaboration between the nations.
On February 27, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu, where he was welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. This visit signifies a pivotal advancement towards reconciliation between Ethiopia and Somalia, following the signing of the “Ankara Declaration” in December, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Ankara Declaration emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity between the two nations. Ethiopia abandoned a previous memorandum that would have recognized Somaliland’s independence, which the Somali government had condemned as an infringement on its territorial integrity.
Under the new agreement, Somalia will ensure reliable maritime access for Ethiopia while maintaining sovereignty over its territorial waters. Ethiopia is also set to contribute 2,500 troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), enhancing joint efforts against jihadist groups in the region.
Turkey’s involvement in Somalia has strengthened ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia, easing initial tensions between the nations. An Ethiopian delegation is currently attending the 8th Congress of the ruling party in Turkey, reflecting growing political connections between Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party and Turkey’s Justice and Development Party.
The recent collaboration between Ethiopia and Somalia marks a significant shift in regional dynamics, with mutual commitments to stability and territorial integrity. As both nations work towards a more cooperative future, the role of external mediators like Turkey continues to be instrumental in the ongoing reconciliation efforts.
In conclusion, the visit of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu highlights the strengthening relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, underpinned by the Ankara Declaration. By reaffirming their commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, both nations seek to foster peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The engagement of Turkey as a mediator further reflects the geopolitical significance of the region and the importance of international cooperation in overcoming historical tensions.
Original Source: www.fides.org
