Ethiopia and Somalia Resolve Diplomatic Rift Amid Maritime Dispute

Ethiopia and Somalia have successfully resolved a diplomatic dispute that strained their relations for nearly a year, Somalia’s foreign minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, announced recently. The tensions were sparked in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a maritime agreement with Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region that Somalia claims as part of its territory. Somalia condemned the deal as a violation of its sovereignty and even contemplated expelling Ethiopian troops stationed within its borders under the African Union peacekeeping mission.

The breakthrough comes after months of negotiations, culminating in a Turkey-brokered agreement in December 2024. Ethiopia’s Defense Minister, Aisha Mohammed, visited Mogadishu shortly afterward, marking a significant step toward reconciliation. During the visit, both nations agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance cooperation on the African Union peacekeeping mission, and develop commercial arrangements aimed at granting landlocked Ethiopia access to the sea under Somalia’s sovereignty.

Somalia has emphasized that it made no concessions during the negotiations, firmly asserting its territorial integrity. However, Ethiopia has not commented on whether it has officially abandoned its agreement with Somaliland. This silence leaves room for speculation about the future dynamics of the Ethiopia-Somaliland relationship and its implications for Somalia’s sovereignty.

The resolution of this dispute signals a renewed commitment by both nations to regional stability and collaboration. Strengthening their ties is especially critical given the ongoing security challenges posed by militant groups like Al-Shabaab, which require unified efforts under the African Union peacekeeping framework. Furthermore, improved relations could pave the way for economic cooperation that benefits both nations, particularly through Ethiopia’s access to Somali ports, a potential game-changer for trade in the region.

This development highlights the importance of diplomatic negotiations and third-party mediation in resolving disputes between African nations. By prioritizing dialogue over confrontation, Ethiopia and Somalia have taken a significant step toward fostering mutual trust and ensuring long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.