Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Somalia on Thursday for discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on strengthening a fragile reconciliation between the two nations.
According to a statement from the Somali government, the leaders would address issues related to security, politics, diplomacy, economics, and counterterrorism efforts in the region.
Security officials confirmed that Abiy’s delegation safely departed the airport without incident. However, shortly after their convoy left for the presidential palace, residents reported mortar attacks in areas near the airport.
It was unclear whether the attacks were linked to Abiy’s visit. Somalia remains highly unstable, with the Islamist group Al-Shabaab maintaining a strong presence in the country.
“Two rounds of mortar shells landed in Bulohubey neighbourhood. An elderly woman was wounded after the shell exploded close to her house,” local resident Abdiraham Hassan told AFP.
A member of Ethiopia’s delegation told AFP they were unaware of any such attacks.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated last year after Ethiopia signed an agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland to secure access to the sea. However, in January, Ethiopia and Somalia announced the full restoration of diplomatic ties following a peace deal brokered by Turkey.
A source at the Somali presidential palace, speaking anonymously, told AFP on Wednesday that Abiy’s visit was “part of a broader effort to complete and implement the Ankara agreement,” referring to the deal reached in the Turkish capital.
Somaliland had claimed its January 2024 agreement with Ethiopia would lead to Addis Ababa recognizing its independence in exchange for granting Ethiopia a long-sought naval base. However, Ethiopia never confirmed this.
Mogadishu strongly opposed the deal and recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia in protest.
Despite the recent diplomatic thaw, the future of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remains uncertain.
