Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed to Visit Mogadishu for Talks with Somali President

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Mogadishu for high-level talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit, following the arrival of an Ethiopian delegation, aims to finalize negotiations from the Ankara Declaration, which resolved prior tensions over Somaliland’s coast. Key discussions will address mutual cooperation and Ethiopia’s role in the new AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to visit Mogadishu for important discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit follows the arrival of an Ethiopian advance team in the Somali capital, indicating ongoing collaboration between the two nations. The discussions aim to finalize the technical negotiations established in the Ankara Declaration, which was an agreement brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last December.

The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, represents a crucial development in the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, alleviating tensions that escalated over Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. This agreement was contested by Somalia due to concerns over sovereignty, thereby raising instability fears in the Horn of Africa. Significant regional powers, including Egypt and Eritrea, were drawn into the dispute.

The December agreement committed both nations to address their differences through dialogue while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity. Consequently, it provided a framework for Ethiopia, a landlocked nation of over 120 million, to secure reliable commercial access to the sea through Somali ports. Ongoing technical negotiations commenced earlier this month and are set to conclude in approximately four months.

An Ethiopian government spokesperson emphasized that Prime Minister Abiy’s impending visit signifies a dedication to enhancing bilateral relations and advancing mutual goals. Somali officials echoed this sentiment, reflecting on recent diplomatic interactions, such as President Mohamud’s unexpected visit to Addis Ababa in January and Ethiopia’s defense minister’s visit to Mogadishu this month.

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 has been characterized as a diplomatic success for Erdogan, who has emerged as a key mediator in the region, leveraging Turkey’s enduring relationships with both nations.

Key topics for discussion in Mogadishu will include Ethiopia’s involvement in the upcoming African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, referred to as AUSSOM. While Somalia previously threatened to expel Ethiopian troops amid the Somaliland dispute, the Ankara agreement has now facilitated their continued engagement under mutually agreeable conditions.

This trip, which marks Abiy’s first visit to Mogadishu since the December agreement, signals a new era for the two neighboring countries, traditionally marred by rivalry impacting regional security, including the campaign against al-Shabab. Following their discussions, both leaders are anticipated to provide media briefings outlining the implementation details of the Ankara Declaration.

As Somalia welcomes technical teams from both nations, Ethiopian negotiators have begun laying the groundwork for future negotiations. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi described this process as a significant advancement, crediting the progress to shared goodwill. While an official date for Abiy’s arrival remains undisclosed, security measures around Mogadishu’s airport and government districts have been intensified in preparation for the leadership summit.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Mogadishu underscores a significant step towards strengthening Ethiopia-Somalia relations following the Ankara Declaration. The commitment to dialogue and cooperation reflects progress in addressing regional tensions. The discussions are also crucial for addressing Ethiopia’s access to Somali ports and the future of Ethiopian troops in Somalia, amidst the changing political dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com