AU Mission Applauds Somalia-Ethiopia Agreement to Enhance Relations
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Synopsis
The AU mission in Somalia has welcomed the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia to restore diplomatic ties after a year of tension. This development is seen as a significant step toward enhancing regional cooperation and stability.
Key Takeaways
- Somalia and Ethiopia agree to restore diplomatic missions.
- The agreement follows a year of strained relations.
- Key leaders reaffirm commitments made in Turkey.
- AUSSOM supports Somalia's stabilization efforts.
- Renewed focus on security and economic integration is crucial.
Mogadishu, Jan 14 (NationPress) The African Union (AU) mission in Somalia has expressed its support for a new agreement made between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at reestablishing diplomatic representation in their capitals after a year of strained relations.
Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the special representative of the AU Commission chairperson for Somalia and the head of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), noted that the discussions between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed the lasting commitments made previously in Turkey, where they initiated efforts to mend their strained ties that have caused tensions in the Eastern Africa region, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
“AUSSOM is dedicated to aiding Somalia in its stabilisation initiatives and regional partnerships, aligning with the aspirations of the Somali populace and the AU's vision for a peaceful and thriving Africa,” Souef stated in a release from Mogadishu, the capital.
In their discussions on Saturday, the two leaders emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional issues of shared concern, pledging to enhance coordination to improve regional relations and promote mutual understanding and progress.
Souef characterized this development as an “important milestone” in their bilateral relations. He highlighted the importance of renewed efforts to bolster diplomatic ties, enhance security collaboration, and foster economic integration, all vital for promoting regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
The diplomatic discord between the two nations arose when Ethiopia entered into an agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, in January 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity.
Somalia viewed this move as a breach of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
