Tensions had risen following Ethiopia’s plans to establish a naval base in Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia.
During the visit, Mohamud held talks with Ethiopian leaders to strengthen bilateral relations and address common challenges. Commenting on the significance of the visit, Political Analyst Alex Kiarie said, “The two leaders recognise a bigger threat in the region, al-Shabaab, a terrorist group allied with al-Qaeda. Their agreement to restore diplomatic ties shows a united front in combating this threat.”
Kiarie highlighted the historical complexities between the two countries. “Ethiopia has invaded Somalia twice before and remains part of the stabilisation force fighting al-Shabaab. Despite past tensions, Somalia recognises it cannot address these challenges without Ethiopia’s support,” he explained.
Somaliland remains a sensitive issue in the relationship between the two nations. Kiarie noted, “Somaliland was initially colonised by the British and later joined Somalia in 1960. Its quest for independence continues to create friction.”
President Mohamud’s visit underscores his commitment to building regional coalitions to address Somalia’s internal challenges. “His biggest goal is the elimination of al-Shabaab, and he cannot achieve this without support from neighbouring countries like Ethiopia and Kenya,” Kiarie said.
While the visit reflects hope for regional collaboration, it also highlights the broader challenges facing the African Union (AU) in mediating conflicts. Kiarie pointed out the AU’s struggles, including a lack of political will and limited resources to enforce peace agreements. “The AU faces challenges such as poorly trained forces and reliance on foreign entities to resolve conflicts, as seen in Sudan and other regions,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the improving relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia is seen as a positive step towards greater stability in the region. As Kiarie concluded, “This visit shows a genuine desire for cooperation and a recognition that regional unity is essential to addressing shared threats.”
--ChannelAfrica--
