Thursday February 27, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met in Mogadishu on Thursday to reaffirm their nations’ diplomatic, economic, and security commitments as geopolitical tensions continue to shape the Horn of Africa.
The talks, part of ongoing diplomatic engagements, focused on regional security cooperation, economic integration, and Ethiopia’s evolving role in Somalia’s stabilization efforts.
At the core of discussions was military collaboration, as the two leaders welcomed a new security framework between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). Both leaders hailed the agreement as a critical move to bolster counterterrorism efforts, enhance border security, and improve intelligence-sharing mechanisms against militant threats, particularly Al-Shabaab.
In a statement following the meeting, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
"Pleased to have welcomed H.E. PM Abiy Ahmed Ali to Mogadishu for a working visit. Our discussions focused on strengthening our security, economic and social ties. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to peace, security, and regional stability for the mutual benefit of our two nations," Mohamud stated.
Similarly, In a statement on social media following the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the need for regional integration and collaboration to overcome shared challenges.
“I appreciate the warm and brotherly welcome by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu today. We held extensive discussions on a range of areas including peace and security, economy, diplomacy, and potential to build joint infrastructure.
The Horn of Africa is rich in resources—fertile lands, fresh water, and human capital. Yet, as a region, we struggle to feed ourselves. This makes integration essential to achieving our shared aspirations.
We have immense potential as a region that must be harnessed to achieve our collective greatness. We cannot grow in isolation, but together, we can thrive. Regional thinking and collaboration are essential, and we are ready to work with Somalia to make this a reality,” Abiy stated.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the Ankara Declaration, a diplomatic initiative aimed at resolving the 2024 Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU dispute. Ongoing technical talks in Turkey are expected to establish clearer frameworks for future engagements.
In addition to security, economic collaboration was a significant focus. Mohamud and Abiy emphasized expanding cross-border trade, streamlining customs policies, and investing in key infrastructure projects. As a landlocked nation, Ethiopia has long sought maritime access. The meeting discussed establishing stronger economic linkages with Somalia’s ports, as Mogadishu views regional economic cooperation as essential for long-term stability.
The leaders discussed major infrastructure projects, including transport corridors and logistics hubs, designed to facilitate commercial activity and boost economic interdependence. They also highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people ties through cultural and trade exchanges.
Abiy’s visit coincides with Ethiopia’s formal integration into the African Union’s Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), reflecting a significant shift in its security posture. Under a new Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed this week, Ethiopian troops operating in Somalia will now be placed under Somali federal oversight, a move aimed at streamlining command structures and improving operational coordination.
The agreement hopes to enhance accountability and efficiency in security operations, aligning with Somalia’s broader security reforms as it prepares for a gradual transition away from reliance on external peacekeeping forces.
A joint communiquè issued at the conclusion of the meeting reaffirmed their shared vision for a secure and economically integrated future, underpinned by ongoing collaboration on political, security, and trade matters.
This updated version of the article includes statements from both Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
