Somalia President’s Surprise Visit to Addis Ababa: A Closer Look
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is set to visit Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Saturday, as confirmed by his office. This unexpected trip comes amidst efforts by both nations to solidify a recent peace agreement aimed at reducing tensions in the Horn of Africa region. The peace deal, brokered by Turkey, was signed last month by President Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, following a diplomatic row triggered by Ethiopia’s deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland one year ago. Ethiopia’s quest for sea access has long been a source of contention with its neighbors in the area.
Unresolved Questions and Ongoing Tensions
Despite the recent agreement signed in Ankara, crucial questions remain unanswered. While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Ethiopia might eventually gain sea access through the deal, the specifics of this arrangement are unclear. The fate of Ethiopia’s pact with Somaliland also hangs in the balance, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
During a meeting in Cairo on Saturday, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi engaged with his Egyptian and Eritrean counterparts, highlighting their collective opposition to Ethiopia’s ambitions. In a pointed statement, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that only the countries bordering the Red Sea should have a say in its security, implicitly criticizing Ethiopia’s involvement.
Growing Regional Alliances and Military Cooperation
Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia solidified a new regional alliance in October, demonstrating their shared concerns over Ethiopia’s actions. The foreign ministers of these countries indicated that further collaborations were on the horizon. This alignment has also led to enhanced military ties between Egypt and Somalia, with Egyptian troops participating in the AUSSOM, a multinational coalition combatting Islamist insurgents in Somalia.
As President Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa approaches, the region remains in a state of flux, with geopolitical dynamics evolving rapidly. The delicate balance of power in the Horn of Africa is being reshaped by these intricate diplomatic maneuvers, underscoring the complex interplay of interests at play. Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds, offering a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of international relations and regional dynamics.