The African Union has applauded the recent meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, which marked a pivotal moment in strengthening ties between the two nations.
The summit, facilitated by commitments made in the Ankara Declaration, was described as a “milestone” by Mohamed El-Amine Souef, head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Souef emphasized that the dialogue reaffirmed efforts to enhance diplomacy, boost security cooperation, and promote economic integration.
The Ankara Declaration, mediated by Türkiye in December 2023, laid the groundwork for resolving disputes between the two countries, including a year-long disagreement over Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland to utilize Berbera Port.
At the Addis Ababa meeting, the leaders announced the full restoration of diplomatic representation and expressed a shared vision for advancing regional stability and prosperity. The African Union highlighted the importance of this renewed partnership for fostering peace in the Horn of Africa.