Ethiopia and Somalia Restore Diplomatic Ties After Year-Long Rift

After a year of tension, Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, marking a significant step toward regional stability. The breakthrough follows months of negotiations and mediation efforts, particularly by Turkey.

The dispute began in early 2024 when Ethiopia signed a controversial memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. The deal granted Ethiopia access to a port on Somaliland's Gulf of Aden coast in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland's independence. This infuriated Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory. The Somali government severed diplomatic ties, expelled Ethiopia's ambassador, and threatened military action.

However, the situation has shifted. During an unexpected visit to Addis Ababa, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed to fully restore diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. The leaders emphasized that regional stability depends on cooperation built on mutual respect and trust.

A key component of the agreement is Somalia's proposed “one-door policy,” ensuring that Ethiopia engages only with Somalia's central government regarding territorial and maritime access. This suggests Ethiopia may no longer negotiate directly with Somaliland without Mogadishu's approval.

The reconciliation also impacts security cooperation. Ethiopia plays a significant role in the African Union's peacekeeping mission (AUSSOM) in Somalia, particularly in combating the al-Shabaab insurgency. While Somalia previously threatened to remove Ethiopian troops, it has now agreed to reconsider their presence, a crucial shift for counterterrorism efforts in the region.

The diplomatic thaw follows high-level talks mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, culminating in the Ankara Declaration. Future discussions will focus on trade, sea routes, and port access, with another meeting scheduled in Turkey next month. While this agreement is a positive step, challenges remain. Ethiopia's desire for a naval presence along the Red Sea continues to raise concerns, particularly from Egypt, which strongly opposes non-coastal states gaining access to the strategic waterway.

For now, Somalia and Ethiopia's renewed cooperation offers hope for greater stability in the Horn of Africa. But the long-term success of this reconciliation will depend on how both nations navigate complex regional dynamics in the months ahead.