Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will visit Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, marking a significant step in the restoration of ties between the two countries. This visit follows recent Turkish-mediated negotiations that successfully ended a year-long conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Last week, ministerial delegations from both nations exchanged visits, showcasing renewed cooperation and a commitment to reconciliation. President Mohamud’s meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to address critical areas such as regional stability, the implementation of the Ankara Agreement, and Ethiopia’s role in the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
The Ankara Agreement, facilitated by Türkiye in December 2024, was instrumental in easing tensions. It reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity while granting Ethiopia conditional access to Somali ports, aligning economic interests with respect for Somalia’s sovereignty.
This visit also carries broader geopolitical implications. It sends a clear message to Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia last year August Asmara summit, underlining Somalia and Ethiopia’s unified stance against external pressures. Furthermore, it signals to separatist movements in Somaliland that both nations remain committed to respecting each other’s unity and sovereignty.
The trip marks President Hassan Sheikh’s first visit to Addis Ababa since February 2023, when allegations of interference by Ethiopian security forces overshadowed his attendance at the African Union Summit. This renewed engagement highlights progress in resolving past issues and emphasizes the shared vision for peaceful coexistence and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
With the Turkish-mediated resolution paving the way, the visit underscores the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration in shaping the future of Somalia-Ethiopia relations and fostering regional development.