ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia is scheduled to visit Addis Ababa on Saturday to engage in bilateral discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The agenda includes addressing critical matters like the execution of the Ankara Agreement and Ethiopia’s role in Somalia’s new peacekeeping mission, with an emphasis on fostering regional stability, economic partnership, and political harmony.
This marks Mohamud’s first visit to the Ethiopian capital since attending the 37th African Union Summit on February 17, 2023, a visit marred by controversy when Somali officials claimed Ethiopian forces tried to limit the president’s mobility, prompting him to leave with Djibouti’s president.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have escalated following Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland in January, which involved leasing 20 km of coastline for maritime and military use in return for possible recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Nevertheless, the Ankara Declaration, facilitated by Turkey in December 2024, has played a significant role in reducing friction. This diplomatic breakthrough acknowledged Somalia’s territorial rights while permitting Ethiopia controlled access to Somali ports, aiming to reconcile Ethiopia’s economic demands with Somalia’s sovereignty.
