Amid Strain Over Maritime Access Agreement, Somali President Questions Ethiopia’s Role in African Union

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently voiced stern disapproval of Ethiopia’s actions, accusing it of double-dealing by hosting the African Union (AU) quarters while allegedly flouting its tenets in its engagements with North Western State of Somalia.

As he stood before Somalia’s parliament on Saturday, Mohamud spotlighted a hotly debated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) penned by Ethiopia with North Western State of Somalia, a matter that’s been whipping up quite the storm far and wide.

Mohamud argued that Ethiopia shouldn’t strut around holding the AU’s flagbearer title as it goes against what Somalia deems a breach of territory. “Ethiopia can’t ride two horses at once,” he remarked, shedding light on the perceived irony of Ethiopia’s AU role versus actions that, according to Somalia, undermine the AU’s core values of respect for borders and sovereignty.

Turning to Ethiopia’s claims that its military presence is crucial in tackling al-Shabaab within Somalia, Mohamud was having none of it. “Without Ethiopia, we’ve reclaimed swathes of our land from Khawaarij,” he retorted, invoking a term for radical elements, further pointing out that Ethiopia’s assistance in recent anti-extremist efforts was but a drop in the ocean.

Urging Ethiopian forces to clear out by December, Mohamud foresaw major upheavals in regional security dynamics given Ethiopia’s longtime military engagement sanctioned by the AU. However, Ethiopia continues to assert its eagerness to remain in AU-led missions within Somalia.

This fiery rift intensifies not only the discord between Somalia and Ethiopia but also casts a long shadow over the African Union, seated snugly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s bustling hub. The president’s fiery rhetoric flags an escalating diplomatic snag that could ripple through the Horn of Africa, potentially shaking up AU’s aptitude in peacemaking and conflict mediation.

Some say the contentious MoU hints at Ethiopia giving North Western State of Somalia’s autonomy a nod in return for a coastal gateway—something Somalia fiercely blocks, deeming North Western State of Somalia as its own. Such a stance not only rocks their relations but challenges the AU’s stance on non-interference and border respect.

A keen eye from the global arena will no doubt train on these twists and turns, projecting possible tremors in the regional security’s backbone and Ethiopia’s diplomatic stance within the African Union fray.

AXADLETM

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More