Somali President Meets Ethiopian Prime Minister
Somali President Mahmud Makes Historic Visit to Addis Ababa
Somali President Mahmud recently made his first visit to Addis Ababa following the Ankara Process, signaling a new chapter in the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed shared on social media that Mahmud was warmly welcomed with an official ceremony in the Ethiopian capital.
The Somali Presidency released a statement explaining that Mahmud’s visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance dialogue with Ethiopian officials to promote common interests. This visit is seen as a crucial step in fostering the partnership between the two countries, especially after the agreement signed in Ankara.
The Ankara Process was initiated after tensions escalated in the region due to a memorandum of understanding signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia in 2024. Somaliland’s bid for independence and Ethiopia’s desire for sea access through Somaliland caused a rift with the Somali government, leading to a crisis that involved various regional and international actors.
Efforts by the Arab League, African Union, Kenya, and Djibouti to mediate the conflict proved unsuccessful until Turkey intervened and facilitated talks under the Ankara Process. The leaders of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Somaliland met in Ankara in December 2024 and reached an agreement that affirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity while establishing a cooperation framework for Ethiopia’s sea access.
The visit of Somali President Mahmud to Addis Ababa marks a significant milestone in the ongoing reconciliation between Ethiopia and Somalia following the Ankara Process. It is hoped that this visit will pave the way for greater cooperation and mutual benefits between the two neighboring countries.
