Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated again when Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, granting it access to the Red Sea while indicating support for Somaliland’s possible independence. Somalia rejected the deal, calling it an attack on its territorial integrity.
After prolonged diplomatic tensions, the two countries expressed their willingness to resolve the dispute through negotiations, and in this regard, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently visited Somalia to improve relations.
The Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal and Its Implications
In January 2024, Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, granting it access to a 20-kilometer-long coastal strip, while indicating recognition of Somaliland’s potential sovereignty. The decision escalated tensions, as Somalia considers Somaliland part of its territory, and denounced the agreement as a violation of its sovereignty, increasing instability in the region.
Somalia’s Response and Diplomatic Fallout
Somalia immediately rejected the agreement, calling it an attack on its sovereignty and requested diplomatic support from the African Union and the Arab League. The dispute increased tensions in relations between the two countries, resulting in the suspension of diplomatic relations. Somalia sought to further strengthen its regional position by signing defense partnership agreements with Turkey and Eritrea.
Efforts to Restore Ethiopia-Somalia Relations
After months of tension, Somalia and Ethiopia began talks in the Turkish capital Ankara, which resulted in a landmark agreement in December 2024, known as the Ankara Declaration. Following this development, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu in February 2025, which is being described as a major step towards restoring diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
The agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland led to serious diplomatic differences with Somalia, which led to increased tensions in the region. However, thanks to international mediation and high-level negotiations, the two countries have made progress towards improving relations. Continued diplomatic contacts and dialogue are essential to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
