Somalia and Ethiopia have signed a new military pact aimed at enhancing security cooperation and improving bilateral relations. This agreement follows a period of diplomatic tensions caused by Ethiopia’s prior engagement with Somaliland. The pact was formalized during a meeting between Somali and Ethiopian leaders, emphasizing respect for territorial integrity and fostering regional stability.
Somalia and Ethiopia have expressed support for a recent military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). This pact is designed to enhance collaboration while respecting each nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The agreement was endorsed by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the latter’s visit to Mogadishu.
General Odowaa Yusuf Rage of the SNA and Field Marshal Birhanu Jula convened prior to this meeting, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral relations. In a joint statement released after the visit, the leaders underscored the importance of enhanced security cooperation and stability in the region. The pact represents a crucial advance in the normalization of relations that had previously strained over a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries have evolved significantly following a fallout prompted by Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland. Somalia had retaliated with its own military agreement with Egypt, Ethiopia’s traditional rival. However, the recent agreement allows for Ethiopian participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which resumed this January.
Key developments during this diplomatic thaw included President Mohamud’s January visit to Ethiopia, where both sides agreed on full diplomatic representation and increased economic collaboration. This re-engagement has been facilitated by Turkey’s mediatory role. The total AUSSOM force comprises troops from several African countries, including Kenya, Djibouti, and Uganda, totaling 11,900 personnel. Burundi has, however, threatened to withdraw troops due to unresolved negotiation issues regarding troop numbers.
The military agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia marks a significant step towards improved relations and cooperative security efforts. By fostering mutual respect and adhering to sovereign borders, both nations aim to strengthen their diplomatic, economic, and social ties. The reinstatement of Ethiopian forces in the AUSSOM mission and ongoing negotiations demonstrate a commitment to regional stability amidst previous conflicts.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
