MOGADISHU, Somalia (HornPost) Ethiopian military chief Gen. Birhanu Jula visited Mogadishu and held talks with senior Somali security officials on bilateral cooperation and regional security, according to the original report.
Jula led an Ethiopian delegation that included Ridwan Hussein, Ethiopia’s intelligence chief. The delegation met with senior Somali security officials, including Somali National Army commander Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rage and intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, widely known as Sanbaloolshe.
The discussions focused on security cooperation and Ethiopia’s role in the new African Union-led security operation in Somalia.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the security sector, according to the report. However, the original statement did not provide further details about specific agreements or operational plans.
Ethiopia and Somalia Discuss Security Cooperation
The visit highlighted continued security engagement between Ethiopia and Somalia. Both countries have a shared interest in addressing security threats and supporting stability in the Horn of Africa.
The discussions also came as Somalia prepared for changes to the African Union’s security mission in the country.
The new mission was expected to involve several regional and international partners. Its responsibilities included supporting Somali security forces and helping address threats to stability.
Ethiopia’s military role in Somalia remained an important issue in bilateral security discussions.
Visit Comes Amid Tensions Over Ethiopian Troop Deployment
Jula’s visit took place against the background of disagreements between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa over the presence and deployment of Ethiopian troops in Somalia.
At the time, the Somali federal government was seeking changes to the locations where Ethiopian forces were deployed, including areas under the administration of Southwest State.
The issue formed part of wider discussions about Somalia’s security arrangements and the role of foreign forces in the country.
The visit therefore carried significance beyond routine military engagement. It provided an opportunity for senior officials from both countries to discuss security cooperation amid broader political and diplomatic developments.
Somalia and Ethiopia Seek to Improve Relations
The meeting also reflected efforts by Somalia and Ethiopia to improve relations after a period of serious diplomatic tensions.
The two neighboring countries had faced disagreements over regional security and Ethiopia’s relations with Somaliland. Those tensions had placed pressure on their diplomatic ties.
However, subsequent engagement between senior officials indicated efforts to maintain dialogue and address shared security concerns.
The Horn of Africa’s security environment has made cooperation between neighboring countries an important issue. Cross-border threats and regional instability require coordination among governments and security institutions.
The meeting in Mogadishu was another indication of the continued importance of dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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