Saturday March 1, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has on Friday welcomed the renewed diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and Somalia following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu on Thursday.
During talks at Somalia’s presidential palace, Prime Minister Abiy and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. In a joint statement, the two leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and regional stability, highlighting ongoing technical discussions in Turkey addressing tensions over Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland.
“IGAD remains dedicated to supporting efforts that promote peaceful engagement and sustainable development in the region,” the organization said in a statement.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. The agreement, which proposed leasing a portion of Somaliland’s coastline for a naval base and commercial port, was widely seen as a step toward Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
Somalia condemned the deal, accusing Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response, Mogadishu threatened to expel Ethiopian peacekeeping forces from Somalia and strengthened diplomatic ties with Ethiopia’s regional adversaries, Egypt and Eritrea.
The outcome of ongoing negotiations in Turkey will be closely watched, as both nations navigate the complexities of regional security, economic cooperation, and territorial sovereignty.