Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will visit Ethiopia to reinforce a recent peace agreement aimed at resolving tensions in the Horn of Africa. Relations have been strained due to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and its deal with Somaliland. The visit reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts, though significant issues remain unresolved, including Ethiopia’s access to the sea and its agreement with Somaliland. Additionally, Somalia is strengthening military ties with Egypt in response to shared concerns about Ethiopia’s actions.
On Saturday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to visit Ethiopia amidst ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between the two nations following a recent peace agreement. This visit arises from Ethiopia’s longstanding ambition for maritime access, which has historically strained its relationships with neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. Somalia expressed its discontent when Ethiopia established a deal with Somaliland last year, recognizing its independence in exchange for access to a port and military base on the Red Sea.
However, tensions have eased somewhat with the peace agreement facilitated by Turkey, which Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed finalized last month. Mohamud’s office indicated that this trip to Addis Ababa, invited by Prime Minister Abiy, reflects a fresh commitment to collaboration, marking a significant shift in the bilateral dynamics between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Despite this progress, several pivotal issues are yet to be resolved, particularly the logistics of Ethiopia’s potential access to the sea and the implications of its agreement with Somaliland. Additionally, both tensions and concerns remain evident, particularly as Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi convened with counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea to discuss shared apprehensions regarding Ethiopia’s policies. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the principle of coastal nations’ sovereignty over the Red Sea, positioning the meeting as a further step towards building a regional alliance against external military presences.
Furthermore, Somalia has strengthened military ties with Egypt, as evidenced by Egyptian troops joining the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia to combat insurgent disruptions. These developments indicate a complex interplay of diplomacy, military cooperation, and regional security dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
The political landscape in the Horn of Africa has been deeply affected by Ethiopia’s ambitions for access to maritime routes, leading to heightened tensions with neighboring countries, specifically Somalia. The issue intensified after Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which stirred serious discontent in Somalia. Recent diplomatic efforts have sought to alleviate these tensions, particularly through mediation by Turkey, culminating in a peace agreement that aims to foster cooperation and stability in the region.
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia signals a crucial step forward in repairing and strengthening the relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia. Nevertheless, essential challenges remain, including Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and its past agreements with Somaliland. The ongoing diplomatic efforts, alongside military collaborations with countries like Egypt, underscore the region’s evolving dynamics as nations seek to address common security concerns and foster stability.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
