Somalia and Ethiopia Embrace New Military Pact, Signifying Improved Relations

Somalia and Ethiopia have inked a military pact enhancing cooperation and stability. The agreement reflects a renewed commitment to mutual respect for sovereignty after previous tensions. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s interactions underscore the normalization of relations, facilitated by Turkey’s mediation efforts, supporting joint military missions and diplomatic collaboration.

Somalia and Ethiopia have expressed their approval of a recent military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). This pact is founded on mutual respect for each nation’s territorial boundaries and sovereignty. Attending this development were General Odowaa Yusuf Rage of the SNA and Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, who engaged shortly before President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Mogadishu to finalize the deal.

Following the meeting, a joint communique emphasized that this agreement marks a significant advancement in security cooperation and regional stability. The leaders acknowledged the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and rebuilding trust through enhanced diplomatic, economic, and social collaborations. They celebrated this landmark agreement as a pivotal moment in their ongoing engagement efforts, especially after previous diplomatic tensions.

These tensions arose after Ethiopia signed an accord with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, granting Ethiopia 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea. In response, Somalia allied itself with Egypt, further complicating relations. However, a new military agreement with Ethiopia has allowed for the participation of the ENDF in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), improving military coordination between the two countries.

The diplomatic thaw reached a new height during President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia in January, where both nations agreed to establish full diplomatic representation along with increased economic and security collaboration. The mediation effort by Turkey played a pivotal role in fostering these relations. Presently, AUSSOM comprises troops from several countries, totaling 11,900, although Burundi has raised concerns about troop numbers for its contingent.

In conclusion, the new military pact between Somalia and Ethiopia signifies a crucial step towards improved bilateral relations and enhanced regional security. Following a phase of diplomatic tensions, both nations are now focused on fostering cooperation, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty, and working towards stability through increased collaboration. This newfound partnership demonstrates the willingness of both countries to prioritize regional stability and security.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com