Ethiopia and Somalia Renew Push for Stronger Ties After Diplomatic Rift

Ethiopia, June 29, 2026 - Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have held bilateral talks aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, enhancing security collaboration and promoting regional stability, signalling continued efforts to rebuild relations following a diplomatic dispute that strained ties between the two neighbours.

According to a statement from Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including trade, security and regional peace, with both leaders emphasising trust and mutual respect as the foundation of their partnership.

Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia and Somalia share more than a common border, stressing the deep historical, cultural and social ties between the two countries.

"Ethiopia and Somalia share what is most precious to them: their people and common destiny," Abiy said, underscoring the importance of closer collaboration to address shared regional challenges.

The meeting comes months after the two countries began restoring diplomatic relations following one of the most serious rifts in recent years.

Relations deteriorated in January 2024 after Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, the self-declared republic that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Under the agreement, Ethiopia was to gain access to the Red Sea through Somaliland in exchange for possible recognition, a move Somalia strongly rejected as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The dispute prompted Somalia to recall its ambassador to Ethiopia, while regional and international actors called for restraint amid concerns that the disagreement could undermine security cooperation in the Horn of Africa, particularly efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group.

A breakthrough came in late 2024 when Turkish-mediated talks culminated in the Ankara Declaration, in which both countries agreed to resolve their differences through dialogue, respect each other's sovereignty and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation. Since then, senior officials from both governments have held several meetings aimed at normalising relations and reviving joint initiatives.

Security cooperation remains a critical issue for both nations, with Ethiopia maintaining a significant role in regional peace operations and counterterrorism efforts in Somalia through bilateral arrangements and African Union-led missions.

The latest meeting between Abiy and Hassan Sheikh is expected to reinforce the ongoing rapprochement, with both leaders seeking to deepen economic integration and strengthen cooperation on security and regional stability in the Horn of Africa.