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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud traveled to Guba, Ethiopia, on Wednesday where he held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The meeting brought the two leaders face to face at a time when both countries are seeking to reinforce their ties and improve cooperation after a period of tension.
The discussion centered on how Somalia and Ethiopia can work together more closely to support stability in the Horn of Africa, a region often affected by conflict, insecurity, and political disputes. Both leaders emphasized the importance of building a partnership that looks ahead rather than dwelling on past disagreements. They expressed a shared vision of peace, stability, and economic growth that could benefit not just their nations but also neighboring countries.
President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in several key areas, including security, economic development, and diplomatic collaboration. The Somali leader stressed that collaboration with Ethiopia is essential for regional progress, while Abiy Ahmed highlighted the role of unity in addressing common challenges. Their meeting was framed as a chance to rebuild confidence between the two governments and to set a foundation for stronger ties.
In addition to the bilateral talks, President Mohamud joined other regional leaders in a separate high-level meeting in Guba. This gathering focused on securing sustainable funding for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The mission, which took over from the previous ATMIS framework, plays a critical role in supporting Somali security forces and stabilizing areas affected by the militant group Al-Shabaab.
The meeting was attended by Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Kenyan President William Ruto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Together, they discussed how to ensure that AMISOM continues to have the financial and political support needed to operate effectively. They also explored long-term strategies for empowering Somalia’s own security institutions so that the country can eventually take full responsibility for its own stability.
For Somalia, these talks are especially important because they come at a sensitive time. Relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa had been strained since early last year, when Ethiopia signed a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region. That agreement caused serious tensions, with Somalia rejecting the deal and viewing it as a threat to its sovereignty.
Wednesday’s meeting in Guba, therefore, signaled a potential turning point. Both President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy sought to show that despite past disputes, cooperation remains not only possible but necessary. Their renewed engagement highlighted the importance of dialogue and compromise in maintaining regional stability.
The Horn of Africa is an area where conflicts in one country often spill over into another, affecting millions of people. By pledging to work together, Somalia and Ethiopia are not only addressing their bilateral issues but also contributing to the wider effort to create peace and prosperity in the region. Their discussions about security, development, and diplomatic relations underscored the interconnected nature of the challenges they face.
At the close of the meetings, the message was clear: Somalia and Ethiopia want to move past disagreements and invest in a future defined by cooperation. Strengthening these ties, alongside support from other regional leaders and international partners, could create a stronger front against insecurity and open doors to new opportunities for growth. The engagement in Guba reflected a broader understanding that the stability of one nation in the Horn of Africa depends heavily on the stability of its neighbors.
The renewed partnership between Somalia and Ethiopia, coupled with commitments from other African leaders, suggests that the region is working toward a more united approach. Whether these efforts succeed will depend on how well the agreements and promises made in Guba translate into real action. Still, the willingness to come together marks an important step forward at a crucial moment for the Horn of Africa.