Monday 13,Jan,2025 {HMC} The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, has praised the recent restoration of full diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The announcement was made in a joint communiqué on January 11, 2025, in Addis Ababa, following a meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The two leaders agreed to re-establish full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals to strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Souef described the agreement as a key milestone that underscores the enduring commitments made under the Ankara Declaration. He emphasized the importance of renewed diplomatic ties, enhanced security cooperation, and greater economic integration in fostering regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
“AUSSOM remains committed to supporting Somalia’s stabilization efforts and regional partnerships, in alignment with the aspirations of the Somali people and the African Union’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Africa,” Souef stated.
Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia were strained in April 2024 when Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador amid a contentious Somaliland port deal. The dispute centered on a memorandum of understanding that granted Ethiopia access to a Somaliland port in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The tensions escalated until they were resolved through the Türkiye-brokered Ankara Declaration in December 2024.
The Ankara Declaration was reached last December during talks hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with Somali and Ethiopian leaders in attendance.
The restoration of diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia is seen as a crucial step toward building trust, enhancing security, and promoting economic growth in the Horn of Africa.
