On a brisk February day, a pivotal moment unfurled that could be transformative for the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia and Somalia, nations with intertwined histories and shared challenges, came together to make significant strides in regional security. The significant visit of an Ethiopian delegation led by the resolute Field Marshal Birhanu Jula to Mogadishu was not just a formal gesture; it was emblematic of the potentials unlocked by collaboration.
Rewind to a few weeks prior, an atmosphere of collaboration was sowed in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud gathered with a shared vision—ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region. Their discussions were not merely obligatory; they resonated with a palpable urgency to anchor peace amidst the tempest of regional uncertainties.
The Ethiopian delegation, enriched by the presence of strategic individuals like Redwan Hussein, head of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), found a warm reception in Mogadishu. Somali leaders, including Maj. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage, Chief of Defense Forces, demonstrated eagerness to emphasize the bond that has kept the two nations buoyant amid challenges.
This agreement on ENDF’s role within the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) was pivotal. It came after a period of diplomatic tension—a manifestation of North Western State of Somalia’s contentious memorandum with Ethiopia, which many in Somalia viewed as a breach of territorial integrity. How do nations reconcile such disputes? The narrative unfolded when the Ankara Declaration emerged, steered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s diplomatic finesse.
But let’s pause and visualize: peace accords flowing like ink, sometimes blotchy, sometimes smooth. That’s the often messy yet hopeful march of diplomacy, one that Somalia and Ethiopia seem committed to navigating. Can these steps transform historical tensions into future collaborations?
Fast forward to January 2025, and the landscape looks promising. Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed’s high-level visit affirmed an unwavering partnership focused on the success of AUSSOM. A reaffirmation that echoed the lessons learned and achievements made under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The joint communiqué from that meeting was poignant in its detail. It celebrated the inception of AUSSOM and committed to advancing the successes of ATMIS. In particular, Ethiopia’s National Defense Force (ENDF) was recognized for its critical role in peace support operations. The communiqué articulated a commitment to developing a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA), a foundational layer to support Ethiopia’s actions in Somalia, all while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
Consider the SOFA. It’s not just bureaucratic vernacular—but a step towards a structured military presence, akin to drawing a map for previously uncharted waters. The agreement promises a recalibrated military engagement, one that’s not just tied to power but laced with responsibility.
Moreover, the discussions stipulated unequivocally that Ethiopia’s engagements with Somalia will proceed through the Federal Government of Somalia. This single point of entry is fundamental in quelling concerns about sovereignty and territorial integrity—a testament to lessons learned from previous diplomatic strains.
As we navigate through the tapestry of regional relationships, one can’t help but wonder: what new chapters will this unity author? Will it herald an era of unparalleled stability and development in the Horn of Africa? For those invested in peace, each communiqué, handshake, and shared resolve holds hope—nuanced yet profound.
Ending on a reflective note, the narrative of Ethiopia and Somalia teaches a timeless lesson—collaboration, even between complex neighbors, holds the potential for profound peace. As these efforts continue, so does the world watch with cautious optimism and an earnest hope for enduring stability.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
