Focus shifts on Somalia, Ethiopia cooperation

On Wednesday, the leaders of both Somalia and Ethiopia signaled a shift in their areas of cooperation with the neighbors looking to lay greater focus on economic ties in the coming future.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud to the capital Addis Ababa, where he is on a two-day working visit; his first trip to East African nation since taking office this May.

Over the past few decades, Ethiopia has been at the forefront of regional support for Somalia’s fight against the Al Qaeda affiliated al-Shabaab group. And while Ethiopia plays a key role in the African Union Mission in Somalia engaged in operations against al-Shabaab, PM Abiy made clear to President Mahmoud, that Addis wished to pursue economic cooperation with Mogadishu.

According to a statement from Abiy’s office, he affirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to work with the new Somali government at various levels “with a particular emphasis on economic growth.”

President Mahmoud’s visit comes as fighting continues in northern Ethiopia between government forces and Tigray rebels.

A months-long truce was shattered in late August, extending a conflict that has already killed thousands and displaced millions of others.

The international community has reiterated the need for a permanent end to the conflict that has raged in northern Ethiopia since November 2020.

A report released by UN rights experts last week accused both sides of committing abuses that border on war crimes and crimes against humanity.