- Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed Musse visited Somalia on January 2.
- The visit marked the first since tensions rose over Ethiopia’s naval base deal in Somaliland.
- Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to collaborate on the AUSSOM mission and strengthen bilateral relations.
- Both nations aim to resolve their territorial dispute through talks initiated in December.
- Regional powers fear instability if Ethiopian troops withdraw from Somalia.
Ethiopia’s Defense Minister, Aisha Mohammed Musse, visited Somalia on January 2, marking the first high-level bilateral visit since tensions flared over Ethiopia’s naval base deal in Somaliland. The trip signals a thaw in relations as both nations seek to mend ties. Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, confirmed the visit, which included discussions on peacekeeping and bilateral cooperation.
The visit follows a December agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia to resolve their dispute over Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region. Ethiopia’s earlier deal with Somaliland to build a naval base and commercial port had strained relations with Mogadishu, which views Somaliland as part of its territory.
Regional Collaboration Amidst Challenges
During her visit, Aisha Mohammed discussed with Somali officials about strengthening the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Ethiopia, with up to 10,000 troops stationed in Somalia, plays a crucial role in combating the al Qaeda-affiliated al Shabaab group.
Moreover, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama thanked Ethiopia for its support, while Ambassador Mesganu Arga emphasized the shared commitment to fighting terrorism and fostering regional development.
Despite these efforts, the Somaliland dispute remains a significant challenge. Somaliland’s push for independence, unrecognized internationally since 1991, continues to strain relations. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s preliminary agreement to lease Somaliland’s coastline for a naval base has caused tensions with Mogadishu, which views the deal as provocative.
Nevertheless, recent talks in Turkey provided some hope, with both sides agreeing to begin technical negotiations by February. These steps underscore the delicate balance of cooperation and conflict shaping the region’s future.
The situation has broader implications for the Horn of Africa. A potential Ethiopian troop withdrawal could weaken efforts against al Shabaab and heighten instability. In response to the Somaliland deal, Somalia has sought closer ties with Ethiopia’s rivals, including Egypt and Eritrea.
Looking forward, as Ethiopia and Somalia work to strengthen their relationship, the region’s stability hangs in the balance. Both nations aim to address security challenges while focusing on shared development goals. Ultimately, technical negotiations in February will be crucial in resolving the Somaliland dispute and ensuring peace.