Modern diplomacy sometimes unfolds far from the gilded halls of embassies, finding its stage amidst the sands of complex regions. On a wholly unpredictable Sunday, Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, descended upon Mogadishu with an air of quiet determination. But what goal lies beneath this curtain of spontaneity?

Accompanying Birhanu was Redwan Hussien, the cerebral Director General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service—men in whom the responsibilities of nations converge. The duo’s clandestine visit saw whispered conversations with Somalia’s illustrious military chief, General Odawa Yusuf Rage, and the insightful director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Abdullahi Mohammed Ali. What narratives were spun in those guarded meetings?

Ethiopia stands as a stalwart pillar within the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)—a mission no stranger to the harsh realities borne by its troops since 2007. As this vital initiative evolved into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ethiopia’s soldiers have remained as sentinels of an enduring commitment.

“It is our brothers’ toil and courage that hold the line,” noted an Ethiopian official, reaffirming the sentiment.

During the visit, optimism was a silent guest at the table. Somali officials faded bureaucratic formalities, openly extending gratitude for Ethiopia’s unwavering reinforcement of regional harmony. This visit seamlessly followed discussions by the towering Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s eloquent President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed, on expanding bilateral cooperation. But what does true cooperation entail beyond diplomatic exchanges?

At the heart of Ethiopia’s engagement lies a foreign policy steeped not merely in strategic intent, but in fostering goodwill among neighbors. As these discussions progressed, talk of the Ankara Agreement—a recent diplomatic accord—illuminated the narrative, setting a precedent for collective prosperity across the ever-shifting landscape of the Horn of Africa. Could this symbolize a tide turning towards peace?

Somali security luminaries, in reflective tones, remarked upon the paramount importance of international peacekeeping endeavors such as ATMIS in weaving the tapestry of Somalia’s future security landscape. Ethiopia and Somalia resolutely voiced their mutual resolve to combat the specter of extremism overshadowing the Horn of Africa. If every journey starts with a single step, might this be the pivotal leap forward?

Intriguingly, Somalia resolved last year to exclude Ethiopian contingents from the forthcoming African Union peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM. This came on the heels of the Red Sea MoU orchestrated by PM Abiy Ahmed with North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared sovereign state perched precariously at the northern tip of Somalia. In a region defined by its conundrums, Ethiopia navigates the intricate dance of diplomacy with dexterity and foresight.