There is an unmistakable air of anticipation in Mogadishu as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed prepares for his momentous journey to the city. Until now, officials from both Ethiopian and Somali governments have remained tight-lipped, revealing only this week that such high-level talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are indeed in the works, with final logistical touches currently underway. This trip follows closely on the heels of an Ethiopian advance team reaching Somali soil, illustrating the meticulous planning set in motion.

The talks are rooted in the historic Ankara Declaration, a pivotal agreement struck in December under the astute mediation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It serves to heal the strained bonds between Ethiopia and Somalia following a controversial agreement Ethiopia made with North Western State of Somalia—Somalia’s semi-autonomous region—granting Ethiopia coveted sea access via North Western State of Somalia’s shores. “It was a tough pill to swallow,” recounted a Somali political analyst, musing over how tensions reached fever pitch, fuelling fears across the Horn of Africa amid swirling speculation of potential regional escalations involving other key players like Egypt and Eritrea.

In what transpired as seven rigorous hours of diplomacy in Ankara, both Ethiopia and Somalia pledged a refreshed chapter framed on discourse and mutual consideration. Turkey’s role, being no casual contributor, has forged significant ties with both nations. As a senior Somali official candidly put it, “The groundwork laid by Ankara has been nothing short of transformational for our mutual interests—it no longer feels like we’re balancing on a knife-edge but moving towards convergence.”

With Ethiopia’s growing need for reliable maritime commerce routes, this dialogue is not just about diplomacy but also about pragmatism. This venture into shared priorities has the earmarks of tangible significance for Ethiopia’s burgeoning economy and also signals Turkey’s deepening influence in regional affairs. “What’s in this for Somalia?” you might wonder. Well, the process breathes fresh life into their sovereignty assurances while simultaneously positioning them as a willing and vital partner in regional security, notably the African Union’s peacekeeping dynamics through AUSSOM.

Meanwhile, in Mogadishu, the mood seems cautiously optimistic. “We envision a trip that solidifies beyond the symbolism,” remarked a Somali government insider, reflecting on the energy humming through the air. With tentative timelines set for next spring to cement negotiations, one cannot help but consider how this will redefine not just bilateral relations but the overall geopolitical tune across the Horn.

Naturally, security across Mogadishu has tightened stringent measures stepping up around the capital’s airport and government zones. A seasoned Ethiopian spokesperson reflected, “This is more than a visit—it’s about a narrative change,” echoing sentiments of Ethiopia’s continued commitments post-Ankara.

As anticipation builds for Abiy’s momentous visit, it signifies more than a simple geographical crossing—it ventures into the realms of making history. His first significant diplomatic overture here since striking the December deal is setting the stage; a scrutiny seemingly now less focused on rivalry and more towards resolved collaboration. How both leaders articulate this dynamic to their publics post-meeting could well become a narrative reshaping moment in both countries’ collective histories.

The rescheduled rendezvous points not just to hope, but the untapped potential residing in tapping harmonious co-existence. Neither country having divulged the precise hour of Abiy’s expected arrival signals both caution and considerable interest in ensuring every facet aligns seamlessly for what they hope unfolds as a textbook case of successful peacemaking.