Somalia and Ethiopia restore diplomatic ties after year-long rift

Somalia and Ethiopia have restored full diplomatic relations, ending a year-long rift that increased instability in the Horn of Africa. The agreement was made during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's visit to Ethiopia on January 11. The rift began after Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, Somalia's breakaway region, which angered Mogadishu. Somalia expelled Ethiopia's ambassador and severed ties last April. A peace deal mediated by Turkey last month facilitated the reconciliation. During the visit, both leaders discussed enhancing trade and security cooperation, particularly against extremist groups. However, key issues, such as Ethiopia's access to the sea and the future of its agreement with Somaliland, remain unresolved.