Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved their diplomatic tensions, according to Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.
Speaking on state television, Fiqi confirmed that Somalia had not made any concessions during the negotiations.
Ethiopia has yet to comment on this claim but has acknowledged an agreement to enhance bilateral relations.
The dispute, which began in January 2024, stemmed from Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia considers part of its territory.
Somalia viewed the deal, which reportedly included plans for an Ethiopian naval base in Somaliland, as a violation of its sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s Defence Minister, Aisha Mohammed, led a delegation to Somalia on Friday. The visit focused on the future of the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in Somalia, where Ethiopia also maintains thousands of troops outside the AU framework.
Both countries have now agreed to collaborate on the mission’s objectives.
Somalia had previously threatened to expel Ethiopian troops over the Somaliland deal, which had raised fears of a broader regional conflict involving Egypt, a staunch supporter of Somalia’s government.
However, Türkiye’s mediation efforts, culminating in the Ankara declaration of December 12, 2024, appear to have eased tensions.
Under the agreement, Ethiopia and Somalia committed to recognising each other’s sovereignty and pledged to work towards mutually beneficial commercial arrangements.
Ethiopia is expected to secure sea access through Somalia’s territory, though the specifics remain undisclosed.
Somaliland, which declared independence over 30 years ago, continues to seek international recognition. Ethiopia’s position on its agreement with Somaliland remains unclear, though Somali officials claim the issue has been resolved on their terms.
Both nations will reconvene in February 2025 for technical discussions, signalling a cautious yet promising shift in relations within the Horn of Africa.
