Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held high-level talks in Addis Ababa on Wednesday morning, focusing on deepening cooperation on shared regional priorities.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Horn of Africa, where security challenges, economic interdependence, and shifting alliances continue to shape relations among neighboring states.
According to a statement shared by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, both leaders emphasized the importance of advancing joint efforts to secure peace and foster development. “We reaffirmed our commitment to fostering stability, security, and development across the region,” Abiy said following the discussions.
While official details of the agenda were not fully disclosed, sources close to the talks indicate that the leaders touched on counterterrorism cooperation, trade and infrastructure connectivity, and ongoing disputes linked to regional sovereignty and maritime security.
The meeting marks a significant step in efforts to ease tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, particularly after recent strains over Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia firmly rejected as a violation of its sovereignty.
Both governments now appear keen to focus on common ground, including combating extremist groups such as al-Shabaab, improving cross-border trade, and strengthening the framework for regional integration.
Diplomatic observers say the Addis Ababa talks signal a cautious but constructive approach by the two neighbors, who hold influential positions in the Horn of Africa’s political and security landscape. Whether this renewed dialogue can translate into sustained cooperation remains to be seen, but Wednesday’s meeting reflects a mutual recognition that stability in the region depends on collaboration rather than confrontation.