Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa visited Somalia in a significant move to ease tensions between the two neighboring nations. This visit follows Türkiye’s successful mediation, which brokered agreements on regional security and diplomatic cooperation.
Focus on Security Collaboration
Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, confirmed the visit, underscoring its importance in strengthening ties. Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry later announced agreements to collaborate on the African Union peacekeeping mission and deepen bilateral relations. Ethiopia currently deploys around 10,000 troops in Somalia to combat El-şebab insurgents.
Dispute and Mediation Success
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia had been strained due to Ethiopia’s 2022 agreement with Somaliland to lease coastline for a naval base and port. Somalia considered the deal a breach of its sovereignty, threatening to expel Ethiopian troops unless the agreement was revoked. However, Türkiye’s mediation led to a breakthrough on December 11, with both nations agreeing to resolve their differences through technical negotiations by February.
Ensuring Regional Stability
The diplomatic progress aims to stabilize the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia’s military presence is crucial for countering El-şebab’s insurgency. Türkiye’s mediation has also helped mitigate regional rivalries involving Egypt and Eritrea, fostering cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia in addressing shared challenges.