IGAD Welcomes Somalia-Ethiopia Rapprochement Amid Diplomatic Tensions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ADDIS ABABA: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has praised the renewed diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and Somalia, following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu on February 27.

During his meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation, dialogue, and stability. The high-level discussions come at a critical time, just weeks after heightened tensions over Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland.

IGAD noted that the renewed engagement, which follows the Ankara Declaration signed in Türkiye, marks a crucial step toward improving economic ties, infrastructure connectivity, and long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.

“IGAD remains dedicated to supporting efforts that promote peaceful engagement and sustainable development in the region,” the organization said in a statement.

Tensions Over Somaliland

Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia had been strained since January 2024, when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region of Somalia. The deal, which proposed leasing part of Somaliland’s coastline for a naval base and commercial port, was widely interpreted as a move toward Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

Somalia strongly condemned the agreement, accusing Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty. In response, Mogadishu threatened to expel Ethiopian peacekeeping forces and deepened its diplomatic ties with Ethiopia’s regional rivals, Egypt and Eritrea.

With negotiations ongoing in Türkiye, regional observers are closely watching whether Ethiopia and Somalia can find common ground on security, economic cooperation, and territorial sovereignty.