Against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a high-level meeting with the African Union Chairman and Comoros President Azali Assoumani during the Italy-Africa Summit in Rome.
The meeting was prompted by the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between Ethiopia and the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland. This agreement grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera, sparking concerns about regional stability and security. Somalia has strongly opposed the agreement, declaring it null and void, and has taken the step of recalling its ambassador to Ethiopia. The sources suggest that Somalia's steadfast opposition to the MoU set the stage for this diplomatic encounter.
In response to the escalating tensions, the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) expressed deep concern at its 1192nd meeting on January 17. The Council underscored the importance of respecting the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of all its member states, including Ethiopia and Somalia.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has called on both countries to pursue peaceful negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of mutual respect and adherence to the principles of good neighborliness. This appeal for dialogue and restraint is considered crucial for preserving peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Somali President engages in talks on the Ethiopia-Somaliland conflict with the AU Chairman during a meeting in Rome.
Against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a high-level meeting with the African Union Chairman and Comoros President Azali Assoumani during the Italy-Africa Summit in Rome.