Somalia President Heads to Egypt Following Ethiopia Agreement

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set to make an official visit to Cairo, Egypt, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key regional issues after a deal with Ethiopia.

Diplomatic sources confirmed the visit to Garowe Online. It came after Egypt expressed displeasure over Mohamud's trip to Addis Ababa, where he signed an agreement aimed at restoring diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia.

The Addis Ababa agreement was reached as the dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt about the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has reached its most perilous point yet. Cairo wants to set up military bases in Somalia and Eritrea to put pressure on Ethiopia. 

The visit, which had been kept confidential until recently, is expected to involve a series of high-level discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Thursday. The talks will focus on the latest regional developments and explore new avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

A senior presidential official revealed that the discussions will prioritize the expansion of regional stability and mutual support for security, trade, and political issues within the Horn of Africa. "This meeting reflects Somalia's commitment to strengthening ties with its regional partners and ensuring that joint efforts address shared challenges," the official said. Security concerns, trade relations, and the evolving political landscape of the Horn of Africa are expected to top the agenda.

President Mohamud’s visit comes amid a broader diplomatic push by Somalia to expand its international influence and establish strategic alliances.

The talks in Cairo are expected to have significant implications for Somalia's foreign policy in the coming months, especially in addressing common regional challenges such as extremism, economic cooperation, and climate change.

Somalia's diplomatic efforts demonstrate its intention to play a more prominent role in global affairs, with a particular focus on fostering robust relationships with regional powers such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Turkey.

As Somalia continues to recover from decades of conflict, building strong diplomatic relationships remains a key pillar of its national strategy. The upcoming visit to Cairo is expected to yield agreements that will bolster cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and infrastructure development, contributing to the country’s broader vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Somalia.

With the evolving dynamics of the Horn of Africa, Somalia’s proactive engagement with regional and global partners highlights its determination to foster peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE