Somalia’s President Declines Meeting with Ethiopia’s PM in Beijing

MOGADISHU, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly refused an audience with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during their time in Beijing, a departure from the usual trend of informal gatherings at significant global events where discussions on bilateral relations often take place.

Both dignitaries attended the Forum on Africa-China Cooperation, where they were spotted engaging with numerous leaders from Africa and beyond. In the past, they seized these opportunities to bolster collaboration between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa.

Informants in diplomatic circles indicated that, despite several attempts to facilitate a meeting, the two leaders did not connect. Even former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, a respected figure on the continent, could not sway Hassan Sheikh to engage with Abiy Ahmed.

Obasanjo has previously endeavored to bring the two together without success. Hassan Sheikh continually emphasizes the importance of respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

This incident marks the second time Hassan Sheikh has declined a meeting with Abiy Ahmed. Earlier efforts by Kenya’s President William Ruto to mediate a discussion in Nairobi also yielded no results, according to diplomatic reports.

The discord between Somalia and Ethiopia is rooted in Ethiopia’s controversial lease of 20 kilometers of coastline from the self-declared North Western of Somaliaregion, an arrangement that Mogadishu deems unlawful in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

Ethiopia remains steadfast in its pursuit of maritime access through this arrangement with Somaliland, yet Somalia contends that such actions infringe upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity, going as far as to threaten military intervention.

Attempts by Turkey to foster dialogue between the two nations have been rebuffed, with Somalia insisting that Ethiopia must first annul its agreement with Somaliland. Meanwhile, Ethiopia seeks acknowledgment of North Western of Somaliaas an independent state.

Djibouti, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Youssouf, has offered Ethiopia a potential solution: access to the sea via the management of one of its ports. However, Addis Ababa has yet to respond affirmatively to this pivotal proposal.

AXADLETM