Ethiopia’s Defence Minister visited Somalia, signifying improved relations amidst previous tensions over Ethiopia’s naval base plans in Somaliland. Somalia’s threats to expel Ethiopian troops, who are combating Al-Shabaab, were partly due to the Somaliland agreement. The nations have since agreed to negotiate and resolve their disputes, underscoring the need for stability in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia’s Defence Minister, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, made a pivotal visit to Somalia, marking the first bilateral engagement since tensions escalated a year prior due to Ethiopia’s controversial plan to establish a naval base in the disputed Somaliland region. Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, confirmed the visit but did not disclose the specific matters discussed between the officials. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government spokesperson remained unavailable for comment.
The relations between Ethiopia and Somalia deteriorated sharply following Ethiopia’s initiative to construct a naval facility in the breakaway Somaliland territory. This proposal sparked intense backlash from Somalia, which views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory despite its self-governance since 1991 and lack of international recognition. The Ethiopian military currently has a presence in Somalia as part of a peacekeeping operation aimed at combating the Al-Shabaab insurgency, which poses a security threat in the region. After a series of escalating tensions, both nations agreed on 11 December to pursue a collaborative resolution to their issues, planning to initiate technical negotiations promptly.
The recent diplomatic visit by Ethiopia’s Defence Minister to Somalia symbolizes a significant thawing of relations between the two nations, following a period marked by contention over Ethiopia’s proposed military installation in Somaliland. As they embark on technical negotiations to resolve their differences, regional stability and cooperation in combating extremist threats remain critical focal points for both countries and the international community.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
