Keypoints:
- Ambassador Suleiman Dedefo presents credentials in Mogadishu
- Follows Ankara Declaration to ease Somaliland dispute
- Talks focus on trade, security, and trust-building
ETHIOPIA’S newly appointed ambassador to Somalia, Suleiman Dedefo, has formally presented his credentials to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, signalling a fresh push to normalise relations after months of diplomatic tension.
The two Horn of Africa neighbours fell out in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, Somalia’s self-declared breakaway region. The deal reportedly offered Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for future recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, alongside associated security arrangements.
Somalia, which maintains that Somaliland is part of its sovereign territory, denounced the agreement as a breach of its territorial integrity.
Turkish-brokered breakthrough
Diplomatic contact between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu was severely reduced throughout most of 2024. Tensions began to ease only in December, following the Ankara Declaration – a Turkish-mediated pact aimed at defusing the crisis.
The agreement, welcomed by the United Nations, the African Union and the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), committed both sides to respecting each other’s sovereignty and continuing technical talks over Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access.
In a statement, Ambassador Dedefo said: ‘I had the honour to present my letter of credence to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. On the occasion, we discussed strengthening diplomatic ties, boosting economic relations and enhancing security cooperation.’
Rebuilding trust in the Horn of Africa
The appointment of a new envoy is widely seen as part of a broader effort to restore trust between the two countries, which have resumed high-level exchanges and pledged to resolve remaining disputes through dialogue.
Regional analysts suggest that the move signals mutual recognition of the benefits of cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, trade and infrastructure development.
While key points of contention – notably Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions – remain unresolved, the latest diplomatic engagement represents a shift away from confrontation and towards pragmatic coexistence.
The coming months will determine whether the commitments made in Ankara can be transformed into lasting agreements, as the Horn of Africa navigates complex security and economic challenges.
