Ethiopia’s Defense Minister, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, visited Somalia on Thursday in a high-level diplomatic gesture signaling a significant step toward de-escalating the strained relations between the two East African nations. The visit, the first of its kind since a major diplomatic rift erupted over Ethiopia’s controversial plans to establish a naval base in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, is seen as a key development in improving ties between the two countries.
The tensions stemmed from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland to lease the region’s coastline for a proposed Ethiopian naval base and commercial port, a deal that raised serious concerns in Somalia. Mogadishu viewed this as a potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence and an act of aggression towards Somalia’s territorial integrity. This disagreement escalated into a diplomatic standoff, with Somalia threatening to expel approximately 10,000 Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), fighting the al-Shabaab insurgency.
Despite the diplomatic impasse, Somalia and Ethiopia have now signaled a willingness to resolve their differences. During her visit, Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa met with Somali officials to reaffirm their shared commitment to peace, stability, and joint development. Although the specific discussions during the visit remain undisclosed, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, confirmed the visit, signaling the importance of this step in reducing tensions.
The diplomatic crisis had seen numerous international efforts to mediate between the two countries, but it was only through direct talks that both sides were able to reach a breakthrough. On December 11, Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to a pathway for resolving the dispute through technical negotiations, which are expected to begin by the end of February 2025. This agreement came after months of unsuccessful international mediation and a period of increased hostilities, suggesting that both countries are committed to finding a peaceful solution.
The Ethiopian-Somaliland agreement, which included plans for a commercial port and naval base on the Somaliland coast, has been a central point of contention. Somalia feared that this deal could pave the way for international recognition of Somaliland’s independence, a move that would have serious implications for the broader Horn of Africa region.
Ethiopia has long been a key player in Somalia’s security and peace efforts, especially in the fight against the al-Shabaab militant group. The diplomatic fallout had raised questions about Ethiopia’s continued role in supporting Somalia’s security efforts, particularly with its sizable military presence under the ATMIS mandate.
This visit, along with the upcoming technical talks, is a hopeful sign that both countries are focused on restoring stability to the Horn of Africa, which has been plagued by conflict and insecurity. For Somalia, this is an opportunity to regain regional cooperation and prevent further divisions over the issue of Somaliland. For Ethiopia, the visit is a chance to reaffirm its commitment to Somali sovereignty while also advancing its own security and regional interests.
Both countries have expressed a mutual desire for peace and development, with leaders emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in resolving disputes. The diplomatic thaw, especially following the December agreement, highlights the potential for constructive dialogue in a region that has often been marked by instability. This visit, therefore, could be seen as a turning point in Somali-Ethiopian relations, offering a foundation for greater cooperation and peace in the future.
