Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will visit Ethiopia on Saturday to reinforce a recent peace agreement aimed at resolving ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea through Somaliland.
On Saturday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to visit Ethiopia in an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties following a recent peace agreement. This meeting is notable against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s historical grievances regarding access to the sea, which have been exacerbated by strained relations with neighboring countries. Tensions escalated significantly after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, granting access to a strategic port on the Red Sea, which angered the Somali government.
In response to these tensions, a peace deal was brokered last month between President Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with Turkish mediation facilitating the process. Mohamud’s forthcoming visit to Addis Ababa is viewed as a pivotal step towards implementing this agreement and fostering a cooperative relationship. The statement from Mohamud’s office emphasized that this visit represents a commitment to renewed collaboration between the two nations, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue in the Horn of Africa.
The Horn of Africa has been a region marked by persistent conflicts and geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding access to crucial maritime routes. Ethiopia, being landlocked, has long sought maritime access through its neighbors, primarily Somalia. Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have historically been complex, characterized by periods of cooperation and conflict. The recent agreement aimed to bridge these gaps, though significant unresolved issues remain, such as the recognition of Somaliland’s autonomy and the management of regional resources. The recent peace deal signed in Ankara represents a crucial diplomatic effort to counterbalance the tensions from Ethiopia’s prior agreements with Somaliland. This peace process is vital not only for bilateral relations but also for regional stability.
The upcoming visit of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia marks a significant opportunity to advance diplomatic relations and implement a recently signed peace agreement. Both nations are working to address their historical grievances, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s previous agreements with Somaliland. The meeting underscores a hopeful new chapter in Somali-Ethiopian relations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in this strategically vital and geopolitically sensitive region.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
