Somali President Faces Diplomatic Setback During Ethiopia Visit
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Axadle Times) — In a recent and rather intriguing diplomatic engagement, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia did not unfold as anticipated. Credible sources within the diplomatic community indicate that the President faced a noticeable setback during discussions with Ethiopian officials.
The primary goal of this visit was to secure Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s approval for the deployment of Somali federal forces in Doolow—a town of significant strategic value nestled along the Ethiopian-Somali border. Unfortunately, the visit concluded without a clear response, leaving a cloud of ambiguity that cast a shadow over the Somali delegation’s aspirations.
This proposed deployment was integral to Somalia’s larger strategy of involving its federal troops in the ongoing conflict at Balad-Hawo, where tensions between federal-aligned forces and Jubaland’s loyalists continue to simmer. The silence from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led to palpable frustration within the Somali team—a sentiment further compounded by President Hassan’s conspicuous absence from the official photograph marking the end of the 2nd United Nations Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa. One might wonder, was his absence a silent protest?
Doolow’s geography tells a complex story. As a twin town bridging Ethiopian and Somali lands, it has long been a focal point of military and political dynamics ever since Somalia’s civil unrest erupted. Its role as a buffer zone can’t be overstated, with Ethiopian forces maintaining a consistent presence there over the years.
Further complicating matters, reports from Doolow suggest brief skirmishes erupted on a quiet Sunday morning. A federal-aligned Somali officer’s attempt to move towards Balad-Hawo’s conflict zone was thwarted by Ethiopian forces, who cited potential escalation in the already volatile Gedo region as a significant concern. Such incidents provoke a series of questions: What drives these misunderstandings? How do local dynamics intertwine with broader regional politics?
President Hassan’s Ethiopian journey was part of a broader diplomatic itinerary, following visits to Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti. But why now? The timing seems curious, especially when considering the delicate balance between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue. Ethiopia’s apprehension about Somalia’s warming ties with Egypt is understandable. Could Somalia be risking an imbalance in its regional relationships?
An experienced envoy once shared, “Diplomacy is not a chess game; it’s a dance.” In this dance, President Hassan appears to have momentarily missed a step, highlighting the intricate and often delicate nature of international relations. How will this affect Somalia’s standing? Will new dialogues emerge to bridge these diplomatic divides?
This visit tells us much about the subtleties in political maneuvering. While outcomes may not always align with expectations, the pursuit of dialogue remains a vital aspect of statecraft.
