Somalia and Ethiopia restore diplomatic ties after Türkiye-brokered agreement

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met in Addis Ababa for the first time following the Ankara process, marking a significant step toward restoring diplomatic ties that had been severed for over a year. The meeting culminated in an announcement that both nations would restore full diplomatic relations, a move seen as crucial for regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

The visit follows a peace deal brokered by Türkiye under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month, which addressed a long-standing rift between the two countries.

Both leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through full diplomatic ties in their respective capitals.

The agreement follows a warm reception by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where the leaders engaged in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening relations and addressing mutual priorities.

Tensions between the two countries escalated in April 2024 when Somalia expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador and closed Addis Ababa’s consulates in Hargeisa. The dispute centered around an agreement Ethiopia made with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, to use the Red Sea port of Berbera. These tensions were ultimately diffused through the Türkiye-brokered Ankara Declaration.

Commitment to cooperation

Ethiopia’s desire for sea access had long been a contentious issue, intensifying tensions between the neighboring countries. However, with Türkiye’s mediation through the Ankara process, talks were held in Ankara on December 11, 2024, hosted by President Erdogan. The agreement reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity while offering a collaborative approach to Ethiopia’s sea access needs.

Meanwhile, during Saturday’s visit, both leaders reiterated their commitment to the deal, emphasizing the “spirit of friendship and solidarity.”

They also discussed plans to deepen trade relations and enhance security cooperation, particularly in combating extremist militant groups in the region.

Although questions about Ethiopia’s sea access remain unresolved, the restoration of diplomatic relations signals hope for a peaceful and cooperative future between the two nations.

New era in relations with Türkiye’s mediation efforts

President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia marks his first official trip since Türkiye-mediated talks helped resolve the long-standing disputes between the two countries. “This visit builds on the recent agreement reached in Ankara. This renewed cooperation underscores a new era of collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia,” a statement from the Somali Presidency read.

The dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia began in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland over the use of Berbera’s Red Sea port.

Türkiye has been pivotal in mediating peace talks, culminating in the Ankara Declaration last December, which was hosted by President Erdogan and attended by both Somali and Ethiopian leaders.