The Ethiopian government has refuted claims by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that Ethiopian security personnel attempted to obstruct his access to the African Union (AU) summit venue. The dispute emerged as President Mohamud arrived in Addis Ababa to partake in the summit, alleging Ethiopia’s actions as a sign of disrespect towards the event.
Despite accusations of being barred by Ethiopian security forces, President Mohamud confirmed his eventual participation at the summit. He reported an incident where Ethiopian forces allegedly blocked him from leaving his hotel to attend a meeting, suggesting a confrontation outside the union’s premises involving armed soldiers.
Ethiopia, hosting the summit, countered by stating that the Somali delegation had declined the security details provided and had their own armed guards, which contravened the protocol for entering the AU compound. Ethiopia emphasized its commitment to the safety of all guests and denied obstructing the Somali delegation’s summit attendance.
The Somali Foreign Ministry condemned Ethiopia’s actions as contradictory to diplomatic norms and the traditions of the AU, calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have been escalating due to Ethiopia’s recent recognition of Somaliland — which Somalia claims as part of its territory — as an independent nation, in exchange for a coastal strip. Somalia has denounced this agreement as a violation of AU rules and an infringement on its sovereignty.
President Mohamud accused Ethiopia of attempting to annex Somali territory, linking these tensions to the presence of Ethiopian military officials in Somaliland. Despite Ethiopia’s denial of any annexation intentions, the dispute remains a significant point of contention between the two nations, particularly highlighted by President Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa for the AU summit.
The Somali president has vocally criticized the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement, labeling it unconstitutional and a breach of international norms. The discord has raised concerns over stability in the Horn of Africa, prompting calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution from the AU and international community.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has insisted that the agreement with Somaliland will not harm Somali interests and expressed Ethiopia’s desire to avoid conflict. This statement comes amidst broader regional tensions, including disagreements with Egypt over Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam project, with Egypt declaring support for Somalia amidst these disputes.
It is reported that the AU Summit is mulling an establishment of an African Monetary Fund which is something about time. It is apparent and inevitable that Africa has shown growth economically and technology is noticeably seeping in. It is the youngest continent and literacy at all time high. Urbanization is growing and at its current pace those who live in urban areas will be equal or even outnumber those who live in rural communities soon, in few decades. The work to harness and endow such growth should start now and it is not too late. At the same time it should do everything it can to resolve and avoid conflicts among itself.
This claim by Brother President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ‘Ethiopia attempted to block him from entering the African Union where the leaders’ summit is underway’ is left with a loose end. ‘Attempted’ how? But what the president did/behaved at the reception occasion after his arrival was not diplomatic to put it mildly. No, no, that was not presidential at all.
But this accusation has added more firepower for these bigots among our Somali brothers and sisters communities who have been calling for massacres of innocent Ethiopian refugees in Somalia. This is not the first time innocent refugees were targeted and massacred in that country and at the hands of armed groups from that nation. During the 1977-78 war with Ethiopia that was the worst period for young people who fled Mengistu’s carnage. They escaped Mengistu’s dragnet and sought protection in ONLF held areas. I was told by my Issa friends that one day those refugees were rounded up by ONLF(Ogaden National Liberation Front) commanders and used for training and target practice by their newly recruited militia. That was the main reason why our Issa brothers and sisters kicked murderous ONLF and Somalia’s regular army soldiers out of their areas along the old railway line. Even older refugees were not spared. First they killed refugees who professed Christianity but later on it was every Ethiopian refugee other than Somalis. I am calling on the Western Powers and all UN agencies to put extra pressure on the Somali government and remind them that refugees are protected under international laws. This bigots here in the Diaspora and there in Somalia are calling for the massacre of every refugee from Ethiopia. They are making it part of their sermons at the places of worship. There are reports of killings and beatings already.
It is reported that the current AU Summit is mulling the establishment of an African Monetary Fund and it is something about time. It is apparent and inevitable that Africa has shown growth economically and technology is noticeably seeping in. It is the youngest continent and literacy at all time high. Urbanization is growing and at its current pace those who live in urban areas will be equal or even outnumber those who live in rural communities soon, in few decades. The work to harness and endow such growth should start now and it is not too late. At the same time it should do everything it can to resolve and avoid conflicts among itself.
This claim by Brother President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ‘Ethiopia attempted to block him from entering the African Union where the leaders’ summit is underway’ is left with a loose end. ‘Attempted’ how? But what the president did/behaved at the reception occasion after his arrival was not diplomatic to put it mildly. No, no, that was not presidential at all.
But this accusation has added more firepower for these bigots among our Somali brothers and sisters communities who have been calling for massacres of innocent Ethiopian refugees in Somalia. This is not the first time innocent refugees were targeted and massacred in that country and at the hands of armed groups from that nation. During the 1977-78 war with Ethiopia that was the worst period for young people who fled Mengistu’s carnage. They escaped Mengistu’s dragnet and sought protection in ONLF held areas. I was told by my Issa friends that one day those refugees were rounded up by ONLF(Ogaden National Liberation Front) commanders and used for training and target practice by their newly recruited militia. That was the main reason why our Issa brothers and sisters kicked murderous ONLF and Somalia’s regular army soldiers out of their areas along the old railway line. Even older refugees were not spared. First they killed refugees who professed Christianity but later on it was every Ethiopian refugee other than Somalis. I am calling on the Western Powers and all UN agencies to put extra pressure on the Somali government and remind them that refugees are protected under international laws. This bigots here in the Diaspora and there in Somalia are calling for the massacre of every refugee from Ethiopia. They are making it part of their sermons at the places of worship. There are reports of killings and beatings already.