Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arga, are leading a high-level delegation to Mogadishu to advance discussions on the Ankara Declaration. This framework seeks to restore relations between Ethiopia and Somalia after a year-long diplomatic impasse.
Tensions arose following a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 1, 2024, between Ethiopia and Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the sea. Somalia condemned the agreement as a breach of its sovereignty and international law, leading to the severance of diplomatic ties. The fallout further strained the region, disrupting the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and emboldening militant groups.
Diplomatic efforts by Türkiye helped ease the crisis, culminating in the Ankara Declaration. Brokered by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the agreement saw Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed commit to respecting each other’s sovereignty.
The recent visits mark significant progress in reconciliation. Last week, Somali officials traveled to Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia reciprocated by sending its delegation to Mogadishu. Both nations aim to finalize the declaration’s implementation by February 2025.
A Somali government official, quoted by The Wall Africa Journal, indicated that Ethiopia’s participation in AUSSOM is no longer contested, reflecting a major policy shift. This visit signals a renewed focus on building trust and advancing regional cooperation.