Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was received by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu on Thursday for discussions aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations.
Tensions escalated between the two nations last year when Ethiopia entered into an agreement to lease a portion of coastline from Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia.
This deal included plans for Ethiopia to establish a naval base and commercial port in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Mogadishu expressed strong discontent over the arrangement, accusing Ethiopia of threatening its territorial integrity.
After negotiations facilitated by Turkey in December, both countries committed to finding a solution that would grant Ethiopia access to the sea.
Earlier in 2025, President Mohamud made a visit to Ethiopia.
The discussions on Thursday covered a broad spectrum of topics, including trade and security, as both leaders work towards normalizing their relations.
Just prior to the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s arrival, artillery shells were fired in Mogadishu, though it remains uncertain if this incident was linked to his visit.
The security landscape in Somalia is precarious, with the Islamist group al-Shabaab actively operating within the country.
