The visit marked the culmination of a year of heightened tensions and diplomatic friction between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, triggered by Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland.

The 1 January 2024 deal, which grants Ethiopia sea access and a military base in the breakaway region, was strongly opposed by the Somali government, which considers Somaliland an integral part of Somalia.

Shortly after the Ethiopian Airlines plane carrying Prime Minister Abiy landed at Aden Adde International Airport on Thursday mid day, suspected militants launched a mortar attack on the airport compound.

No casualties were reported, but residents in a nearby neighborhood stated that at least one person was injured when a shell fell short of the airport, striking an open area near residential homes.

Meanwhile, early on Thursday, Al-Shabaab militants seized Balcad, a town only 30 km north of Mogadishu despite they retreated later.

Lido Beach visit: the symbolic gesture of improving relations

Abiy was escorted to Lido Beach in what was described as a symbolic gesture of improving relations with Mogadishu following last year’s tensions over Ethiopia’s attempts to secure sea access.

Abiy was then swiftly transported to Villa Somalia, where he held bilateral talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and members of the Somali cabinet.

“The meeting between the President and the Prime Minister focused on strengthening cooperation in the areas of security, economy, and social affairs. They emphasized the historical ties and longstanding neighborly relations between the two nations, which are founded on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” read a statement from Villa Somalia.

Abiy’s visit followed a series of diplomatic engagements, including a December 2024 meeting between President Mohamud and Ethiopian officials in Turkey, aimed at easing tensions between the two nations.

During Abiy’s visit, Mogadishu was placed under a strict lockdown, with thousands of security personnel blocking roads and restricting movement for civilians, including vehicles and pedestrians.

At Lido Beach, a protest erupted as young men and women denounced Ethiopia’s aspirations for Somali maritime access. Somali security forces quickly dispersed the demonstration, reportedly opening fire and fatally shooting a young boy.

The incident further fueled public anger, with citizens taking to social media to condemn the killing and demand accountability.

The Somali presidency has yet to issue a statement on the shooting.

#SOMALIA: A young boy was shot and killed by Somali security forces while swimming at Liido Beach on Thursday, as the city remained under lockdown during the visit of #Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Residents in the Abdiasis district confirmed the incident, which has… pic.twitter.com/4ME1UVwCRk

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) February 27, 2025

Following his visit, Abiy expressed his appreciation for the reception by President Mohamud, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “We held extensive discussions on a range of areas, including peace and security, economy, diplomacy, and the potential to build joint infrastructure.”

He added: “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.”

Despite the diplomatic engagements, tensions remain high, with many Somalis continuing to voice opposition to Ethiopia’s ambitions in the region.

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