PM Ahmed to Visit Mogadishu for Key Talks with Somali President Amid Improved Bilateral Relations

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to visit Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday for a high-level meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit marks a significant moment in the relationship between the two nations, coming after a period of considerable tension and diplomatic strain. According to Somalia’s state news agency, the leaders will hold talks aimed at resolving lingering issues between the two countries.
The discord began in January 2024, when Ethiopia announced plans to lease a section of Somalia’s coast in the self-declared, but internationally unrecognized, Somaliland region. The lease agreement was centred around building a naval base and a commercial port in the area, which would have provided Ethiopia, a landlocked country, with vital access to the sea. There was also speculation that, in return for this, Ethiopia might offer recognition of Somaliland’s independence—a move that would have significant implications for the region’s geopolitical landscape.
This announcement sparked strong objections from Somalia, which viewed Ethiopia’s actions as a threat to its territorial integrity. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory, accused Ethiopia of undermining its sovereignty and causing instability in the region. Somali officials went as far as threatening to expel Ethiopian peacekeepers, who had been stationed in the country as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission. Tensions heightened as Somalia sought to counter Ethiopia’s moves by strengthening its diplomatic ties with other regional powers, particularly Egypt and Eritrea, both of which have historically had rivalries with Ethiopia.
Despite these rising tensions, in December 2024, both Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to put the dispute behind them. The two countries committed to resolving their differences through dialogue, agreeing to explore alternative solutions that would ensure Ethiopia’s access to the sea in a manner that did not compromise Somalia’s territorial integrity. The nations pledged to focus on commercial and diplomatic avenues, with an emphasis on creating sustainable and secure access for Ethiopia, which remains heavily reliant on neighboring countries for maritime trade. Both sides expressed hope that their cooperation would pave the way for mutual benefits and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s upcoming visit to Mogadishu is seen as a crucial step toward solidifying this newfound commitment to cooperation and understanding. The leaders’ discussions are expected to focus on broader issues of economic collaboration, security, and regional stability. The visit is also seen as an effort to rebuild trust and foster stronger bilateral relations, especially as both countries face ongoing challenges related to regional security and development.