In a significant move towards mending relations, Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to restore diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. The agreement comes over a year after Somalia severed ties, citing Ethiopia’s contentious deal with Somaliland, the self-declared independent region in northern Somalia.
The announcement followed an unexpected visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Addis Ababa, where both nations pledged to rebuild and strengthen bilateral relations. In a joint statement, the two countries committed to restoring full diplomatic representation, signaling a renewed focus on cooperation.
The fallout began in early 2024, when Ethiopia signed a memorandum with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to a strategic port along the Gulf of Aden. Reports suggested the deal also allowed Ethiopia to establish a naval facility in the region, sparking fierce backlash from Somalia. Mogadishu accused Ethiopia of undermining its sovereignty and threatened military action to prevent what it described as an attempt to annex Somali territory.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, operates autonomously but remains unrecognized by Somalia and the international community. Ethiopia’s direct engagement with Somaliland, bypassing the Somali central government, was at the heart of the diplomatic dispute.
The rift between the two neighbors threatened to destabilize their joint efforts against al-Shabaab, the al-Qaida-affiliated militant group operating in Somalia. Ethiopian troops, a key component of the UN-backed peacekeeping mission in Somalia, faced potential expulsion as tensions escalated.
However, recent diplomatic efforts have eased the standoff. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan mediated talks between Somali and Ethiopian leaders last month, resulting in the Ankara Declaration. This agreement emphasized dialogue and a shared commitment to resolving disputes.
As part of the reconciliation, Somali officials introduced a “one-door policy,” requiring Ethiopia to engage with Somaliland only through the Somali government. This approach aims to ensure Somalia’s sovereignty while addressing Ethiopia’s strategic interests.
The timing of Somalia’s renewed ties with Ethiopia coincides with broader geopolitical shifts in the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s foreign minister recently attended a meeting in Cairo with Eritrea and Egypt—two nations with complex relations with Ethiopia. The discussions centered on concerns over non-Red Sea nations gaining access to the critical waterway.
Egypt, which has been supplying arms to Somalia, is preparing to hold talks about deploying Egyptian troops to support Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s interest in securing port access remains a critical aspect of its regional strategy.
Ethiopia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Mesganu Arga Moach, described the restored ties as a “big milestone forward in our bilateral and brotherly relations.” The move underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges, including security threats and economic development.
While the agreement represents a significant breakthrough, the path to sustained stability will require careful navigation of regional dynamics and the interests of external powers. For now, the restored diplomatic ties offer hope for greater cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia.