Ethiopia, Somalia Forge Alliance Against Islamist Insurgents, Signaling Thawing Relations

Ethiopia and Somalia have announced a collaborative effort in the fight against Islamist insurgents, marking a significant step towards easing long-standing diplomatic tensions between the neighboring Horn of Africa nations, Bloomberg reports.

Following high-level talks in Mogadishu on Thursday, officials from both countries agreed to work together under the banner of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the agreement in a statement released on Friday, stating that the two countries would “collaborate” within the mission’s framework and would “strengthen bilateral relations.” Specifics on how the collaboration would be implemented were not immediately provided.

The move signals a potentially dramatic shift in relations, particularly given recent strains. Somalia had previously expressed opposition to Ethiopia’s ongoing involvement in the peacekeeping mission following a year-long dispute. That dispute arose over Ethiopia’s proposal to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway territory in northern Somalia, in exchange for access to a port in the region.

While Somalia’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Ali Balcad, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the agreement represents a significant turnaround. Ethiopia has long been a major contributor to the UN-backed force battling al-Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia, with a contingent of 3,000 troops already stationed under ATMIS, along with another 7,000 under a separate bilateral agreement.

The timing of the agreement coincides with Somalia’s return to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member on Thursday, ending a 54-year absence.