Ethio-Somalia Cooperation Milestone to Rebuilding Ties for Regional Stability, Prosperity

Addis Ababa/ January 12, 2025 ­(ENA)---The official visit of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia on January 11, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the evolving relations between the two neighboring countries. The visit and the resulting joint communiqué reflect a shared vision of enhanced diplomatic engagement, economic collaboration, and regional stability.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia symbolizes a new chapter in Ethiopia-Somalia relations, characterized by renewed diplomatic ties, strengthened security cooperation, and a shared vision for economic integration. The joint communiqué highlights a pragmatic approach to tackling shared challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term regional stability and prosperity.

By committing to mutual trust, collaboration, and respect, Ethiopia and Somalia have the potential to transform their relationship into a cornerstone for peace and development in the Horn of Africa. However, translating these commitments into actionable outcomes will require sustained political will and sustained engagement.

Recommitment to Strengthening Ties

The joint communiqué underscores a mutual commitment to restoring and enhancing bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation. This indicates a reinvigoration of political dialogue following years of fluctuating relations shaped by historical tensions, territorial disputes, and regional complexities.

The visit signals a renewal of trust and confidence aiming to lay the groundwork for sustained cooperation. The emphasis on “full diplomatic representation” in their capitals is a practical step toward enhancing communication and fostering closer relations at the state-to-state level.

Security Cooperation and Addressing Common Threats

Both Ethiopia and Somalia face significant security challenges, particularly from extremist militant groups like Al-Shabaab, which operate across borders and destabilize the Horn of Africa.

The commitment to bolster cooperation between security agencies reflects an acknowledgment of the transnational nature of threats. Joint intelligence sharing, coordinated military operations and capacity building could serve as practical measures to mitigate the impact of extremist groups.

The emphasis on mutual trust and respect as prerequisites for stability aligns with the broader goal of fostering a peaceful regional order. Ethiopia, with its role as a key peacekeeping contributor in Somalia under AMISOM/ATMIS, can leverage its military and logistical resources to support Somalia’s security priorities.

Economic Cooperation and the Path to Shared Prosperity

The communiqué highlights the importance of expanding economic cooperation, trade, and investment, with infrastructure linkages as a critical enabler.

Expanding infrastructure linkages, such as road networks and trade corridors, can facilitate greater economic integration and improve access to markets. Ethiopia’s landlocked economy and Somalia’s strategic location with access to the Indian Ocean present an opportunity for mutual benefit.

The focus on robust economic cooperation opens avenues for joint ventures in sectors like agriculture, energy, and transport. Leveraging shared resources, such as Ethiopia’s renewable energy potential and Somalia’s port facilities, could unlock regional growth.

Building a Collaborative Framework

 

The leaders’ discussions on regional stability and their reaffirmation of the Ankara Declaration reflect their commitment to a broader framework of regional cooperation.

By committing to expedite technical negotiations under the Ankara Declaration, the two nations signal their intent to operationalize agreements that prioritize peace, development, and solidarity in the Horn of Africa.

Moreover, improved bilateral relations can reduce the risk of external powers exploiting divisions between Ethiopia and Somalia. A united front could enable the region to negotiate from a position of strength in global forums.