Ethiopia and Somalia took significant steps to restore and enhance their bilateral relations, marking a pivotal moment in the Horn of Africa’s diplomatic landscape. The catalyst for this rapprochement was a series of high-level meetings and agreements facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, underscoring Turkey’s growing influence in regional diplomacy.
The tensions between the two nations had escalated in early 2024 when Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. This agreement granted Ethiopia access to the port of Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty. Somalia viewed this move as a direct infringement on its territorial integrity, leading to the expulsion of Ethiopian diplomats and the closure of Ethiopian consulates in Hargeisa and Garowe.
In response to the escalating tensions, Turkish President Erdoğan initiated mediation efforts, culminating in the Ankara Declaration signed on December 12, 2024. This declaration served as a framework for resolving the disputes, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. It outlined the establishment of technical negotiations to address the contentious issues, with a commitment to conclude them within four months.
Building on this momentum, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a landmark visit to Addis Ababa in January 2025. During this visit, he and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed to restore full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation. The leaders emphasized the importance of regional stability and pledged to work together on various fronts, including security, economic development, and infrastructure projects.
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) welcomed this development, describing it as a significant milestone in bilateral relations and a reaffirmation of commitments made under the Ankara Declaration. Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, highlighted the importance of enhancing diplomatic ties, strengthening security cooperation, and promoting economic integration as essential steps for advancing regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
This restoration of diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Somalia is poised to have a profound impact on the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical dynamics. By addressing longstanding disputes and fostering cooperation, both nations aim to contribute to a more stable and prosperous region. The successful mediation by Turkey also underscores the potential for external actors to play a constructive role in resolving regional conflicts.
As Ethiopia and Somalia embark on this new chapter of collaboration, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this rapprochement will serve as a model for conflict resolution and regional integration in Africa.
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