Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia to reinforce a recent peace agreement mediated by Turkiye aimed at alleviating regional tensions. The visit comes amid ongoing concerns regarding Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and its controversial relationship with Somaliland. This diplomatic effort is juxtaposed with newer alliances forming against Ethiopia, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
On Saturday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia in a significant move towards enhancing peace and cooperation following a recent agreement aimed at reducing regional tensions. The visit, which was initiated at the request of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is viewed as a continuation of the diplomatic efforts initiated last month, with mediation from Turkiye. Somalia’s concerns were heightened after Ethiopia facilitated a deal with Somaliland, a region seeking independence, which saw Ethiopia gain a strategic port.
Despite this diplomatic progress, several issues remain unresolved. The recent agreement, while purportedly paving the way for Ethiopia to gain some form of access to the sea, lacks clarity on its implementation. Furthermore, the status of Ethiopia’s relationship with Somaliland continues to create unease. Additionally, tensions were evident on the same day when Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi convened with Egyptian and Eritrean counterparts, aiming to underscore a united regional stance against Ethiopia’s ambitions. Egypt’s Foreign Minister articulated the view that “the Red Sea and its security is subject only to the will of the countries on its coast,” emphasizing the unacceptable nature of extra-regional military presence.
This evolving landscape has fostered stronger military ties between Somalia and Egypt, particularly in light of the new international coalition aimed at combating insurgency in Somalia, which includes Egyptian troops as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia that commenced recently.
The Horn of Africa has been characterized by a complex web of relationships and tensions, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access has historically led to friction with Somalia. Following a contentious agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, diplomatic relations soured. However, a recent peace accord mediated by Turkiye has initiated a renewed cooperative effort aimed at stabilizing the region. The involvement of external parties such as Turkiye and Egypt signals the geopolitical significance of these developments, particularly as related to the security and politics of the Red Sea region.
In conclusion, President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia marks a critical step towards fostering peace in the Horn of Africa, building upon the recently established agreements. However, unresolved questions regarding maritime access and Ethiopia’s relationship with Somaliland highlight the complexities still at play. Furthermore, regional alliances appear to be forming in response to perceived threats, suggesting that while progress can be made, the path to enduring peace remains fraught with challenges.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
