Mogadishu, Somalia – A long-standing diplomatic row between Ethiopia and Somalia, which had strained regional relations, has been resolved, according to Somalia’s foreign minister.
Ahmed Moalim Fiqi announced the resolution in a statement broadcast on state TV, asserting that Somalia had made no concessions in the process. Ethiopia has not formally commented on Somalia’s claim but noted that the two nations have committed to strengthening bilateral ties.
The dispute originated in January 2024 when Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, signed a controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region Somalia considers part of its territory. This deal escalated tensions, with Somalia describing it as a breach of its sovereignty and threatening to expel Ethiopian troops stationed within its borders. 
The breakthrough follows a Turkey-brokered agreement announced in December 2024 and was further solidified during a visit by an Ethiopian delegation led by Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed. The delegation’s discussions in Mogadishu centered on the future role of Ethiopia’s troops in Somalia, particularly those outside the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission.
Ethiopia affirmed its commitment to collaborate with Somalia on the AU mission and broader regional security. Despite earlier threats, Somalia now seems poised to integrate Ethiopian forces into its long-term security framework.
The tension had peaked when Ethiopia announced plans to establish a naval base in Somaliland, which reportedly included a commitment to recognize Somaliland’s independence. However, Addis Ababa never confirmed these details, and Somalia viewed the move as an act of aggression.
Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia over three decades ago, has sought international recognition without success. However, Turkey’s mediation has led to a détente. Both Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to honor each other’s sovereignty and engage in commercial talks to grant Ethiopia sea access “under Somalia’s sovereignty.”
The Ankara joint declaration, issued on December 12, 2024, sets February 2025 for technical negotiations between the two nations.
While it remains unclear whether Ethiopia has abandoned its previous deal with Somaliland, Somali state TV quoted Fiqi as saying, “That file was closed after Somalia’s demands were tabled and accepted, but not due to concessions or compromising the principles we defended.”
With tensions eased, this agreement marks a significant step toward stability in the Horn of Africa, a region long plagued by conflicts and rivalries.
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