ADDIS ABABA -(SD) The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has welcomed the recent diplomatic rapprochement between Ethiopia and Somalia, following the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu on Thursday.

During discussions held at the Somali presidential palace, Prime Minister Abiy and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. A joint statement issued by the two leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and regional stability, highlighting ongoing technical talks in Turkey aimed at addressing tensions arising from Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland.

“IGAD remains committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, participation, and sustainable development in the region,” the organization stated in a press release.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia. The agreement, which proposed leasing part of Somaliland’s coastline for a naval base and commercial port, was widely perceived as Ethiopia’s implicit recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.

Somalia strongly condemned the agreement, accusing Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity and unity. In response, Mogadishu announced plans to expel Ethiopian peacekeeping troops from Somalia and strengthened diplomatic ties with Ethiopia’s regional rivals, Egypt and Eritrea.

The outcomes of the ongoing talks in Turkey will be closely monitored, as both nations navigate complex regional security challenges, economic cooperation, and territorial sovereignty issues.