In his address, Jula highlighted the vital role Ethiopian forces have played in stabilizing the region, praising their dedication to security and cooperation. He commended the soldiers for their efforts in Somalia and emphasized the strong partnership forged between Ethiopia and Somalia through years of military collaboration against threats like al-Shabaab. The sacrifices of the Ethiopian Defense Forces have been essential to supporting the Somali government's stabilization initiatives.
However, the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia faces new challenges. A recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland has sparked opposition from the Somali government, which perceives it as a potential threat to its sovereignty. The MoU allows Ethiopia access to maritime and naval facilities in the Gulf of Aden, contingent upon recognizing Somaliland’s independence.
Amid growing tensions, Somalia expects all Ethiopian troops to withdraw by the end of 2024, as the mandate for the African Union Transition Mission is set to expire in December. Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali confirmed that Ethiopian forces will not be part of the new African Union contingent tasked with securing key installations in Somalia starting January 2025.
Adding to the diplomatic strains, Field Marshal Jula's visit coincided with the signing of a defense pact between Somalia and Egypt. This agreement was finalized following a two-day meeting in Cairo between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, coming just after Ethiopia's January deal with Somaliland.
Turkey attempted to mediate talks between Somalia and Ethiopia over a port deal with Somaliland, but the discussions ended without an agreement. Nonetheless, officials from both countries expressed optimism and scheduled a third round of talks for September 17, aiming for a "sustainable and viable" agreement.
The negotiations in Ankara sought to improve the strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, worsened by Ethiopia's decision to lease 20 km of Somaliland's coastline for a proposed naval base in exchange for recognition of its independence, underscoring the region's complex geopolitical dynamics.
- Field Marshal Birhanu Jula
- Ethiopian defense forces deployed in Somalia