DJIBOUTI (AX) – Whisperings from insiders connected to Villa Somalia and the Djiboutian administration reveal to Axadle about a formal grievance filed with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This follows his recent encounter with Djibouti’s head honcho, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. The core issue? Djibouti’s unease over budding ties between President Hassan Sheikh and Eritrea’s leader, Isaias Afwerki.
Word on the street is that President Guelleh has directly voiced his apprehension regarding Afwerki’s snowballing clout. This stems from Somalia’s ongoing teamwork with Eritrea, particularly spotlighting the tripartite pow-wow in Eritrea, featuring leaders from Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea. Guelleh is curious why this wasn’t rolled out in Mogadishu, opting instead for the backdrop of Asmara.
The Djibouti-Eritrea relationship saga is an age-old tale of territorial wrangles, marked by persistent friction over the years. Rumor mills suggest Djibouti frets over Somalia’s cozying up to Eritrea, potentially throwing a wrench in Djibouti’s regional influence.
Since Hassan Sheikh took the helm, whispers abound about Somalia’s foreign dance steps causing ripples across its diplomatic ties, especially with its neighborhood amigos. The Eritrea connection has proven to be a flashpoint, straining not only ties with Djibouti but dialing up tensions with Ethiopia as well.
Axadle
