Ethiopia denies harassing Somalia delegation in Addis Ababa

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during official reception ceremony at Bole International Airport (Photo : MFAE)

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - The Federal Republic of Ethiopia has denied allegations of harassing Somalia officials accompanying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the AU Summit, just moments after Mogadishu accused Addis Ababa of discrimination.

In a statement, Ethiopia insisted that it gave a befitting welcome to Hassan Sheikh and his delegation, terming the accusations as 'false and unprecedented'. According to Addis Ababa, the delegation refused to accommodate the assigned security to them.

"The Government of Ethiopia warmly welcomed the President of Somalia in full honors accorded to all Heads of State and Government arriving for the AU. As a host country, the Government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all Heads of State and Government while in the country.

"Somalia delegation refused the assigned state security personnel. Moreover, the Somali delegation security attempted to enter the AUC premises with weapons which was blocked off by AUC security. Ethiopia remains committed to cordial relations with its neighbour," the statement read.

In a lengthy statement, Somalia insisted that the team suffered under the hands of Ethiopian officials, noting that diplomatic protocols were violated. The country demanded for independent investigations into what transpired during the meeting in Addis Ababa.

"This action breaches all diplomatic and international protocols and, most critically, the established traditions of the African Union. This behavior adds to the growing list of erratic actions by the Ethiopian Government in recent times," read the statement.

"Given that Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, its leadership and government must treat all African leaders equally. Hosting the AU is both an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia; however, if its government fails to uphold this honor and responsibility with the necessary decorum, it may be necessary for the African Union to reevaluate the location of its headquarters."

Ethiopia has been in wrangles with Somalia following a controversial deal between Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi, which will see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of the Red Sea for the establishment of the military base and port. In return, Ethiopia pledged to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state.

GAROWE ONLINE