Ethiopia has named Suleiman Dedefo as its new ambassador to Somalia, presenting his credentials today to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu. The move marks a concerted effort to repair ties after a protracted standoff over Ethiopia’s bid for Red Sea access.
The diplomatic rift erupted in January 2024, when Addis Ababa signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland—Somalia’s self-declared breakaway region. Under that agreement, Ethiopia would gain port access along Somaliland’s coast in return for eventual recognition of its independence and security cooperation. Somalia’s federal government denounced the deal as a breach of its territorial integrity.
Tensions eased last December with the Ankara Declaration, brokered by Turkey, which reaffirmed both countries’ respect for sovereignty and committed them to ongoing technical talks over Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations. Since then, high-level exchanges have resumed and working groups reconvened to iron out lingering disputes.
“I was honored to deliver my letter of credence to H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,” Ambassador Dedefo said after the ceremony. “We discussed deepening our diplomatic engagement, expanding trade ties and enhancing regional security collaboration.”
Analysts view the ambassadorial appointment as a key confidence-building measure, signalling Addis Ababa’s readiness to engage constructively with Mogadishu. Both capitals have pledged continued dialogue aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution to Ethiopia’s quest for sea access while upholding Somalia’s sovereignty.
