Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is visiting Mogadishu today for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking a significant step in repairing strained relations between the two countries, according to Somalia's state news agency SONNA.
Prior to the Ethiopian prime minister's arrival in Mogadishu, a shooting incident took place in the Somali capital, according to media reports.
The relationship deteriorated sharply in January 2024 after Ethiopia announced plans to lease a section of coastline in Somaliland, Somalia's breakaway region, for the construction of a naval base and commercial port.
This move, which allegedly included potential recognition of Somaliland's independence, prompted accusations from Somalia of territorial infringement and threats to expel Ethiopian peacekeepers.
Following mediation efforts by Turkey, both nations agreed in December to resolve their differences peacefully, committing to finding commercially viable solutions that guarantee Ethiopia reliable and sustainable access to the sea.
In January, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ethiopia at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to build on a recent peace agreement aimed at easing tensions in the Horn of Africa.