Somalia & Ethiopia Discuss Peaceful Resolution to Tensions

Somali Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Omar held talks with his Ethiopian counterpart, Mesgano Arga, as part of ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution to tensions between the two nations.

In a statement issued following the discussions in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that both sides "reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing dialogue and improving bilateral relations while respecting each other's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity."

Omar lodged a protest with Ethiopia regarding an attack on Somali military bases on December 23, for which Somalia holds Ethiopian forces responsible.

In response, Ethiopia’s Deputy Minister expressed his government’s "readiness to launch an immediate investigation and cooperate with the Somali Federal Government to prevent such incidents."

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any involvement in the attacks on Somali bases, attributing responsibility to "a third party aiming to disrupt peace efforts between Somalia and Ethiopia."

The two sides also discussed necessary steps to maintain peace and security while improving bilateral ties and ensuring the full implementation of the Ankara Declaration to resolve disagreements.

Earlier this month, Somalia and Ethiopia signed the Ankara Declaration, emphasizing respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst heightened tensions, partly due to Ethiopia’s communications with Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991.