Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa visited Somalia, marking a pivotal step in thawing relations that have been strained due to a proposed Ethiopian naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and technical negotiations to resolve ongoing disputes, particularly regarding security against the Al-Shabaab insurgency, which is critical to regional stability.
On Thursday, Ethiopia’s Defence Minister, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, made a significant visit to Somalia, marking the first bilateral engagement since tensions escalated a year ago. The visit follows a controversial proposal by Ethiopia to establish a naval base within the breakaway Somaliland region. Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, acknowledged the visit but did not disclose the agenda of discussions. Ethiopia has deployed approximately 10,000 troops in Somalia to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group, although their presence has been met with threats of expulsion from Mogadishu due to unresolved territorial disputes.
After an agreement was reached one year ago to lease coastal land to Ethiopia for the naval facility in Somaliland, tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia mounted significantly. Mogadishu has condemned this arrangement as a form of aggression, given its stance that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory. Despite months of deteriorating relations and various unsuccessful mediation efforts, both nations engaged in dialogue in Turkey in December. They expressed a commitment to collaborate on resolving disputes and initiating technical negotiations by the end of February.
The Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia are deployed under the auspices of an African Union peacekeeping mission, along with a bilateral partnership. The potential withdrawal of these forces raises alarms among regional powers, as it could significantly undermine efforts against the persistent Al-Shabaab insurgency. Additionally, Somalia’s alignment with Ethiopia’s traditional adversaries, such as Egypt and Eritrea, in reaction to the Somaliland deal further highlights the broader regional instability in the Horn of Africa.
The relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been complex, underpinned by historical grievances and regional power dynamics. The recent proposal by Ethiopia to establish a naval base in Somaliland has exacerbated tensions, as Somalia considers the region part of its territory and views Ethiopia’s engagement as an attempt to undermine its sovereignty. The geographical and political landscape in the Horn of Africa has long been influenced by the aspirations of Somaliland for independence, which remain unrecognized internationally, thus creating friction between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. The presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia is primarily aimed at assisting in combatting the Al-Shabaab insurgency, which poses a significant threat to regional stability.
The visit by Ethiopia’s Defence Minister to Somalia signifies a potential thawing of relations between the two nations that have been strained over territorial disputes and security concerns. Despite the historical grievances linked to Ethiopia’s proposed naval base in Somaliland, both countries have committed to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences. The continued presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia remains crucial for confronting extremist threats, underscoring the intricate balance of power and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
