Faith Nyasuguta
Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, marking the end of a year-long rift. This breakthrough was announced during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s unanticipated visit to Addis Ababa, where both nations committed to rebuilding and enhancing bilateral relations.
Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arga Moach, hailed the development as a “milestone in bilateral and brotherly relations.” The decision follows tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial 2023 memorandum with Somaliland, which sought to grant Ethiopia access to a Somaliland port and permission to establish a naval base along the Gulf of Aden.
Somalia, viewing the deal as an infringement on its sovereignty, severed ties with Ethiopia, accusing it of attempting to recognize Somaliland’s independence without Mogadishu’s consent. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally and by Somalia, despite operating autonomously for over three decades.
The diplomatic fallout strained security cooperation, with Somalia threatening to expel Ethiopian troops from the UN-backed peacekeeping mission combating al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida affiliate destabilizing the region. Ethiopia plays a critical role in the mission, but Somalia signaled readiness to secure alternative troop commitments if Ethiopia’s involvement ended.
The restoration of ties reflects months of quiet diplomacy. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a significant role in mediating talks, culminating in the Ankara Declaration. Signed last month, this agreement committed both nations to resolve disputes through dialogue and to address shared challenges collaboratively.
As part of the reconciliation, Somali officials highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to a “one-door policy,” ensuring future engagements with Somaliland go through Mogadishu. This provision aims to prevent unilateral agreements like the 2023 memorandum that bypassed the Somali central government.
President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia also coincided with a meeting in Cairo, where Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea discussed Red Sea security. Egypt has expressed concerns over non-littoral states establishing military presences in the strategic waterway and has been strengthening ties with Somalia, including supplying arms and exploring troop deployment in support of peacekeeping efforts.
The diplomatic breakthrough between Ethiopia and Somalia is a significant step in regional stability, potentially improving collaboration against shared security threats such as al-Shabaab. While challenges remain, both nations have signaled a willingness to prioritize dialogue and mutual respect to rebuild trust.
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