Ethiopia’s newly appointed ambassador to Somalia, Suleiman Dedefo, presented his credentials to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday, a move seen as a step toward normalising ties after a prolonged diplomatic spat.
The rift dates back to January 2024, when Addis Ababa signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland—Somalia’s breakaway northern region—granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in return for future recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somalia rejected the deal as an infringement on its territorial integrity.
Relations remained strained until December 2024, when Ethiopia and Somalia signed the Turkey-brokered Ankara Declaration. That agreement included mutual commitments to respect sovereignty and to resume technical talks on Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access.
“On this occasion, we discussed strengthening diplomatic ties, boosting economic relations and enhancing security cooperation,” Ambassador Dedefo said after his meeting with President Mohamud.
Analysts view the envoy’s appointment as part of a broader effort by both Horn of Africa neighbours to rebuild trust, revive high-level exchanges and resolve outstanding issues.