In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Somalia says the obstacles to Ethiopia's participation in the African Union mission were overcome

The rift began when Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region, reportedly offering to recognise its independence in exchange for a Red Sea port and a milita

They have yet to work out the fate of the MoU Ethiopia had signed with Somaliland, leading to a freeze in relations.

Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to work together on a multinational force battling Islamist insurgents, signaling a further reduction of diplomatic tensions between the neighboring countries.

Ethiopia and Somalia renewed their diplomatic relations during a visit of Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud on Saturday to Addis Ababa. Mohamud and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed "agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals.

Somalia and Ethiopia are set to restore full diplomatic relations after a visit by Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Addis Ababa, as efforts intensify to heal a year-long rift that threatened further instability in the Horn of Africa.