Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) welcomed the agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia to fully restore diplomatic relations, after talks in Addis Ababa between the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ra Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed on January 11, 2025.
A statement issued by Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) in Somalia, and the Head of AUSSOM, described the agreement as “important for the relationship between the two countries” and a confirmation of the commitments under the Declaration. Ankara.
Ambassador Souef noted the importance of “enhancing diplomatic relations, strengthening security cooperation, and promoting economic integration” as necessary steps to promote “regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.”
He said AUSSOM is “committed to supporting Somalia’s stabilization efforts and regional cooperation,” in line with the wishes of the Somali people and the vision of the African Union as a continent of peace and prosperity.The agreement, which was announced in a joint communiqué issued on January 11, 2025, was announced in a decision to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation. their capital. It also stressed the need for “closer cooperation between multilateral and regional forums to address issues of mutual interest.
The statement also expressed security concerns, saying, “Regional stability requires strong cooperation between the two countries.” The two leaders agreed to direct various security agencies to strengthen cooperation in dealing with the growing threat of extremist groups.
The restoration of relations came after a year of diplomatic hiatus, which followed tensions over Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. The agreement, which wanted Ethiopia to be allowed to enter the sea to recognize Somaliland, has damaged the relationship between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.At the time, Somalia announced that Ethiopian Ambassador Muqtar Mohamed Waare “has been informed to leave Somalia within 72 hours.” Somalia has also summoned its ambassador to Addis Ababa for “full consultation”.
In October 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia announced that an Ethiopian diplomat was not grata, ordering him to leave within 72 hours, citing that he was “engaging in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic role.”
However, the Ankara Agreement, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, helped calm the tension and create a process of reconciliation.
In the latest incident, after the Ankara agreement, among other measures, Somalia withdrew its previous decision that Ethiopia “will not be part of the African Union-led forces” instead of AT.