Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud agreed on Tuesday to deepen political, economic, and security cooperation, marking a step toward mending relations after months of tensions over Ethiopia’s push for maritime access through Somaliland.
The meeting in Mogadishu comes after Somalia strongly opposed Ethiopia’s January 2024 deal with Somaliland, which granted Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea in exchange for potential recognition of the breakaway region’s independence. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory, condemned the deal as an infringement on its sovereignty and threatened to expel Ethiopian troops from the African Union peacekeeping mission in the country.
In a joint statement following the talks, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and cooperation. They emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and economic ties while also advancing security collaboration to address shared threats, including terrorism and cross-border instability.
“The two nations share deep historical ties and common interests. Strengthening cooperation is key to ensuring stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa,” the statement said.
The leaders welcomed ongoing technical negotiations in Ankara, aimed at finding a mutually beneficial resolution to Ethiopia’s maritime access ambitions. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, currently relies on Djibouti’s ports for nearly all its imports and has been seeking alternative access to the sea to support its economic growth.
Additionally, Abiy and Mohamud endorsed a new security cooperation agreement between their armed forces, a move that underscores their commitment to addressing regional instability. The deal is expected to enhance coordination in counterterrorism efforts, particularly against al-Shabaab militants, who continue to pose a significant threat to Somalia’s security and regional stability.
The meeting is seen as a significant step toward easing tensions and rebuilding trust between Ethiopia and Somalia. Both sides expressed optimism that continued diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation will pave the way for stronger bilateral relations and long-term development in the Horn of Africa.
