• Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to restore diplomatic ties after a year-long rift.
• The countries' leaders committed to enhancing cooperation while addressing regional stability.
• Critical disagreements arose from Ethiopia's memorandum of understanding with Somaliland.
• Recent diplomatic mediation by Turkey has facilitated this breakthrough.
• Discussions included Ethiopia's participation in the new African Union mission in Somalia.

In a positive development for East African relations, Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties after a year marked by tensions surrounding Ethiopia's controversial agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. The agreement was confirmed following a significant visit to Ethiopia by Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa.

As reported by VOA News, both leaders expressed commitment to enhancing bilateral relations during the joint discussions. They pledged to restore full diplomatic representation, which had been severely affected after Somalia accused Ethiopia of infringing on its sovereignty through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Somaliland.

The MOU allowed Ethiopia access to port facilities along Somaliland’s coast, leading to sharp rebukes from Somalia, which viewed it as an attempt to effectively annex its territory. Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia's state foreign minister, revealed that obstacles hindering Ethiopia's involvement in the new African Union mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have now been resolved.

The restoration of diplomatic ties comes on the heels of ongoing discussions mediated by Turkey, culminating in the Ankara Declaration, which reinforced commitments to mutual sovereignty and cooperation. Following these developments, Somalia plans to send a delegation to finalize troop reallocations essential for Ethiopia's participation in AUSSOM.

In a joint statement, both governments recognized that their cooperation is vital for regional stability, especially in addressing security challenges posed by the militant group al-Shabaab, which threatens both nations. Alongside the shift in diplomatic tides, there have been rising tensions regarding foreign military presence in the Red Sea, with Egypt recently voicing its opposition to naval establishments by landlocked countries.

As Somalia’s foreign minister indicated, the coming period is crucial for further discussions aimed at addressing trade, port access, and maritime routes, which may significantly influence the regional geopolitical landscape.

This emergence of renewed dialogue signifies a possibly transformative moment for both Somalia and Ethiopia, presenting an opportunity to redefine their relationship and cooperate more effectively in countering shared threats.

For more detailed insights, you can read the full reports from The Guardian and VOA News.