Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen the recently restored diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Somalia. The visit follows the peace agreement mediated by Turkey in December 2024, which led to the full normalization of relations between the two neighboring countries in January 2025.
According to a source within the Somali presidential palace, the Ethiopian delegation will engage in high-level discussions with Somali leaders to solidify the Ankara agreement. “This is part of a broader effort to complete and implement the Ankara agreement,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
The rapprochement between Somalia and Ethiopia comes after months of tension sparked by a controversial deal between Addis Ababa and the breakaway region of Somaliland. That agreement, announced in January 2024, was seen by Mogadishu as a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. Somaliland claimed the deal would result in Ethiopia recognizing its independence in exchange for granting Ethiopia a naval base along its coastline—something Addis Ababa never officially confirmed.
Mogadishu reacted strongly to the Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement, recalling its ambassador from Addis Ababa and mobilizing diplomatic pressure to block any moves that could legitimize Somaliland’s claim to independence. However, diplomatic efforts, primarily led by Turkey, facilitated negotiations that resulted in the restoration of full diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Abiy’s visit marks the first time an Ethiopian leader has visited Somalia since relations soured. His trip is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding trust between the two nations, which share deep economic, security, and cultural ties. Analysts suggest the visit will focus on solidifying agreements that respect Somalia’s territorial integrity while addressing Ethiopia’s strategic interests.
The Ethiopian delegation is expected to meet with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other high-ranking officials. Key issues on the agenda include trade, regional security, counterterrorism, and Ethiopia’s access to seaports. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has long sought port access along the Somali coast, a matter of strategic interest for Addis Ababa. Somali authorities, however, insist that any agreements on port access must align with Somalia’s sovereignty and legal frameworks.
Despite the diplomatic reset, the fate of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remains uncertain. Somali officials have consistently maintained that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia and that any deals regarding its territory must be approved by Mogadishu. Ethiopia has yet to clarify whether it intends to pursue the naval base agreement with Somaliland or abandon it in favor of strengthening ties with Somalia.
Observers note that Turkey’s mediation was instrumental in de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. Turkish officials have emphasized the importance of regional stability and economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa, positioning Ankara as a key diplomatic player in the region.
The visit is expected to conclude with a joint statement outlining the next steps in Ethiopia-Somalia relations. While tensions have eased, many challenges remain, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and Somalia’s concerns over its sovereignty. The coming days will reveal whether the Ankara agreement can provide a lasting framework for cooperation or if lingering disputes will continue to pose obstacles to regional stability.
