An Ethiopian delegation from the Foreign and Defense Ministries arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday for discussions aimed at implementing the Ankara Declaration, an agreement brokered by Turkey to ease tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The visit follows a series of diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
In December 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud traveled to Ankara for talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
These discussions focused on resolving disputes and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
A key topic during the Mogadishu talks is Ethiopia’s participation in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to commence in January 2025.
Somalia had previously expressed reservations about Ethiopian involvement due to concerns over the latter’s agreements with Somaliland and its impact on Somalia’s sovereignty.
However, recent diplomatic efforts, including the Ankara Declaration, have led to a reconsideration of Ethiopia’s role in AUSSOM.
Somali officials have indicated a willingness to include Ethiopian troops in the mission, acknowledging their contributions to regional security.
The outcome of these discussions will significantly influence the composition and effectiveness of AUSSOM in combating threats like al-Shabaab in Somalia.
The international community is closely monitoring developments, given the mission’s importance in stabilizing the region.