Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia to reaffirm a recent peace deal, seeking to improve diplomatic relations amid unresolved tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s past agreements with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Despite this progress, uncertainties regarding Ethiopia’s sea access and its deal with Somaliland remain. Additionally, Somalia’s collaboration with Egypt and Eritrea against Ethiopia signifies ongoing concerns in the region.
On Saturday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ethiopia in an effort to bolster the recently signed peace agreement between his nation and Ethiopia, aiming to ease tensions in the tumultuous Horn of Africa. Historically, Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea has exacerbated longstanding grievances, particularly after Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland last year, which outraged Somalia. Fortunately, that friction has seen some resolution following last month’s accord mediated by Turkey, strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The visit to Addis Ababa, initiated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, signifies an important milestone in Somali-Ethiopian relations, as emphasized by Mohamud’s office. However, ambiguities still cloud the implementation of the agreement, particularly regarding how Ethiopia might gain sea access and the status of its deal with Somaliland. These unresolved issues continue to evoke anxiety in the region.
Further complicating the geopolitical landscape, a meeting between Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea highlighted their collective opposition to Ethiopia’s regional ambitions. This meeting followed the establishment of a new alliance aimed at addressing shared concerns over Ethiopia’s actions. Moreover, military collaboration between Egypt and Somalia is evolving, with Egyptian forces joining the African Union mission to combat insurgents in Somalia.
The political relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has been historically complex, marked by territorial disputes and varying interests in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea has fueled tensions, particularly following Ethiopia’s pact with Somaliland, a region that seeks independence. A recent peace accord between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Turkey, aims to address these longstanding issues, although several points of contention remain. The involvement of Egypt and Eritrea reflects a broader regional concern regarding Ethiopia’s aspirations, especially as they relate to maritime security in the Red Sea.
In summary, the visit of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia is a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations stemming from a peace agreement mediated by Turkey. While this development indicates a potential thaw in relations, several unresolved issues regarding sea access and existing agreements with Somaliland pose challenges. Furthermore, the alignment of Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea against Ethiopia’s influence underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, suggesting ongoing instability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
