Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Visit to Mogadishu Initiates New Diplomatic Era

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu on February 27, 2025, where he was received by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. This visit follows the signing of the “Ankara Declaration,” promoting reconciliation and mutual respect between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia will supply troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, aiming to combat jihadist movements. Improved relations with Turkey also play a key role in this diplomatic progress.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made an official visit to Mogadishu on February 27, 2025, where he was welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. This visit marks a pivotal moment for reconciliation between Ethiopia and Somalia, following the enactment of the “Ankara Declaration” in December. This agreement emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity between the two nations.

The Ankara Declaration resulted in Ethiopia retracting a prior memorandum, dated January 1, 2024, which had granted recognition to the secessionist region of Somaliland for 50 years in exchange for maritime access. Somali officials deemed this prior memorandum an infringement on their territorial integrity. As part of the recent declaration, Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to enhance cooperation for reliable maritime access under the sovereignty of Somalia.

Ethiopia has also committed to contributing 2,500 troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is intended to assist the Somali military in combating jihadist factions. This contingent will be the second-largest within AUSSOM, trailing only the Ugandan troop contribution of 4,500. AUSSOM replaces the previous African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in this stabilizing role.

Turkey has established a notable military presence in Somalia and has served as a mediator between Ethiopia and Somalia. Relations between Ethiopia and Turkey have improved, facilitated by the political rapprochement of Prime Minister Ahmed’s Prosperity Party and President Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party. A delegation from Ahmed’s party is currently participating in the 8th AKP Congress in Turkey, indicating ongoing political collaboration.

The visit of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu signifies a meaningful advancement in the diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. The ratification of the Ankara Declaration serves to reinforce mutual commitments between the two nations while alleviating previous territorial disputes. The military cooperation embodied in AUSSOM highlights the collaborative efforts aimed at stabilizing Somalia amid ongoing security challenges linked to extremist groups.

Original Source: www.fides.org