The rift began when Ethiopia signed a controversial deal with Somaliland, Somalia's breakaway region, reportedly offering to recognize the region's independence in exchange for a Red Sea port and a military base.
 |
| A Somali policeman stands guard during a protest march against the Ethiopia-Somaliland port deal along KM4 street in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 11, 2024. (Source: Reuters) |
Somalia and Ethiopia announced on January 11 that they would restore full diplomatic relations after a visit by the Somali president to Addis Ababa to heal a year-long rift that threatened further instability in the Horn of Africa.
A joint statement between the two countries said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed "agreed to restore and strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive diplomatic relations in their respective capitals".
Landlocked Ethiopia’s desire for access to the sea has deepened longstanding grievances between the two neighbors. Somalia was furious when Ethiopia signed a deal a year ago with the breakaway region of Somaliland, reportedly recognizing the region’s independence in exchange for a port and military base on the Red Sea.
Ethiopia's ambassador to Mogadishu was expelled in April 2024 last year and the two countries severed diplomatic relations.
The dispute was defused by a peace deal last month, brokered by Türkiye and signed by both leaders.
During a visit to Addis Ababa on January 11, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also discussed enhancing trade and security cooperation, especially in combating extremist militant groups that threaten the region.
However, key questions remain unresolved, including the specifics of Ethiopia’s access to the sea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously suggested that the peace deal would provide Ethiopia with some form of maritime access, but the exact details remain unclear.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/somalia-ethiopia-khoi-phuc-quan-he-ngoai-giao-cham-dut-ran-nut-keo-dai-mot-nam-gay-bat-on-cho-vung-sung-chau-phi-300569.html
Comment (0)