Somalia and Ethiopia Agree to Reestablish Diplomatic Relations

somalia, ethiopia, addis ababa, ankara - Somali President Hasan Sheikh Mahmud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have agreed to restart diplomatic relations between the two countries.

President Mahmud and Prime Minister Ahmed met in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, for the first time since the Ankara Process.

In a joint written statement following the meeting, it was stated that a decision was made to 'reestablish and enhance' bilateral relations through diplomatic representations in both countries.

The leaders emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship between the two countries through strong cooperation based on mutual trust and respect to ensure regional stability.

On April 4, 2024, Somalia deported Ethiopia's Ambassador to Mogadishu and demanded the closure of Ethiopian consulates in Hargeisa and Garowe, cities in Somaliland and Puntland respectively.

The crisis between Ethiopia and Somalia increased tension in the region after the agreement signed on January 1, 2024, between Somaliland - which unilaterally declared independence in 1991 - and Ethiopia.

Ethiopia's recognition of Somaliland as an independent country and Somaliland's preparations to provide Ethiopia with access to the sea led to the Somali government's reaction and the crisis.

Efforts by the Arab League, African Union, Kenya, and Djibouti to resolve the crisis had been inconclusive.

The tension was alleviated when Turkey brought the parties together within the scope of the Ankara Process, and most recently, leaders met in Ankara on December 11 under the hosting of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reaching an agreement to resolve the issue.

According to the agreement, Somalia's territorial integrity is confirmed, and Ethiopia's access to the sea demands are transformed into a cooperation process that will benefit both sides.