MOGADISHU – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia on Saturday, marking a notable step toward repairing relations between the two countries after a year of heightened tensions. The diplomatic visit follows a contentious period triggered by Ethiopia’s plans to establish a naval base in the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland.
Mohamud’s office confirmed the trip in a statement shared on social media, noting that he met with Ethiopian leaders to discuss bilateral relations and mutual interests. The two governments agreed to restore diplomatic representation in their capitals, signaling a thaw in the strained relationship.
This visit follows Ethiopia’s dispatch of its defense minister to Mogadishu on January 2, the first such meeting since relations soured in early 2024. The fallout began when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, leasing coastal territory for a naval base in exchange for possible recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The move was met with strong objections from Somalia, which accused Ethiopia of threatening its territorial integrity.
Somalia responded by threatening to expel Ethiopian peacekeepers and strengthening ties with Ethiopia’s rivals, Egypt and Eritrea. After months of failed mediation, both nations agreed in December during talks in Turkey to resolve the dispute through technical negotiations by the end of February.
Prime Minister Abiy Welcomes Somali President
"I warmly welcome President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, on his working visit to Ethiopia," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. pic.twitter.com/JtvvRPhw4m
— Ethiopia News Agency (@EthiopianNewsA) January 11, 2025In Saturday’s statement, both nations pledged to enhance cooperation on security, with a focus on countering extremist militant groups that pose threats to regional stability. Mohamud’s trip was described as a follow-up to the Ankara agreement to advance discussions on shared concerns.
