Somalia's term-ended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met in Antalya, Turkey, on the eve of the COP31 climate summit. The meeting focused on Somalia's security situation and broader regional developments. According to the Somali presidency, the leaders discussed security challenges and political developments in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to promote peace and stability.
The talks mark another high-level engagement between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, following a meeting between Hassan Sheikh and Abiy in the Ethiopian capital on September 29. That meeting aimed to strengthen longstanding bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the neighboring countries. The two nations have faced tensions in recent years, particularly over Ethiopia's January 2024 maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia rejected as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In December 2024, Somalia and Ethiopia signed the Ankara Declaration under Turkish mediation, agreeing to respect each other's sovereignty and pursue arrangements for Ethiopia's access to the sea through bilateral negotiations. This development eased tensions, but regional challenges persist. During his stay in Turkey, Hassan Sheikh is expected to hold separate meetings with other world leaders attending the COP31 summit, which will discuss global warming, climate financing, and measures to support countries vulnerable to extreme weather events.
The climate conference, running until November 20, brings together government leaders and representatives from around the world. Somalia is among the African countries particularly exposed to climate-related shocks, including recurrent droughts, devastating floods, and environmental degradation. These challenges have affected livelihoods, displaced communities, and placed additional pressure on the country's already fragile humanitarian situation.
The Somali delegation includes ministers and the country's second deputy prime minister, who will participate in discussions and meetings on climate change and its impact on vulnerable nations. For Somalia, the summit offers an opportunity to highlight the country's growing climate challenges and press for greater international support for adaptation, resilience, and recovery efforts. Somalia's participation in the summit underscores its commitment to addressing climate change and seeking international cooperation.
The meeting between Hassan Sheikh and Abiy also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security and climate challenges. The two leaders recognized the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between their countries and other regional partners to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. This cooperation is crucial in addressing the complex challenges facing the region.
As the COP31 summit continues, Somalia and Ethiopia are likely to face growing pressure to address climate change and regional security challenges. The meeting between Hassan Sheikh and Abiy sets a positive tone for cooperation between the two nations, and their participation in the summit demonstrates their commitment to addressing these pressing issues. The international community will be watching closely as these developments unfold.
Key points
- Somalia and Ethiopia are working to strengthen bilateral relations and address regional security challenges.
- The two countries face growing climate change challenges, including recurrent droughts and devastating floods.
- The COP31 summit offers Somalia an opportunity to press for greater international support for climate adaptation and resilience efforts.
