Somali FM in Egypt, President in Ethiopia Amid Position Tensions

ADDIS ABABA/MOGADISHU, Jan 12 – Ethiopia is reportedly lobbying for the replacement of Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Fiqi, sources have revealed. However, the move is facing resistance from Egypt, complicating Villa Somalia’s plans.

The developments come as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visits Ethiopia, where he received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. During their meeting, the two leaders announced the formal restoration of diplomatic ties between their nations.

Notably absent from President Hassan Sheikh’s delegation is Foreign Minister Ahmed Fiqi, who is currently in Egypt holding talks with Egyptian and Eritrean foreign ministers. Discussions are reportedly centered on strengthening the trilateral alliance between the three nations, a coalition perceived as countering Ethiopia’s regional influence.

Instead, Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs accompanied the president on his trip to Ethiopia. Sources told Garowe Online that Ali Balcad, a close presidential advisor, is now managing Ethiopia-related matters for the Somali government.

Tensions Between Federal and Regional Relations

Observers believe that President Hassan Sheikh’s outreach to Ethiopia signals an effort to weaken the country’s ties with Somali federal member states that have strong relationships with Ethiopia, namely Puntland and Jubaland. Relations between Villa Somalia and these two states have been particularly strained in recent months.

Ethiopia shares a long border with Somalia, much of which falls within Puntland and Jubaland. For decades, Addis Ababa has maintained strategic security partnerships with these administrations, which have provided crucial buffers against regional threats, including militant groups operating across the border.

The Ethiopian government has also been an essential player in Somalia’s security landscape. Recently, Somalia agreed to include Ethiopian troops in the restructured African Union peacekeeping mission, a decision made after the Ankara agreement.

Egypt’s Role in the Power Struggle

Egypt’s opposition to Foreign Minister Ahmed Fiqi’s replacement reflects the wider geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa. Cairo, which has strengthened its ties with Somalia and Eritrea through the trilateral alliance, views its partnership as a counterweight to Ethiopia’s growing influence.

This is not the first instance of tension over Somali officials’ allegiances. Former Somali intelligence chief Mahad Salad was dismissed after being accused of aligning too closely with Egyptian interests, allegedly drawing the ire of other influential international actors involved in Somalia’s security affairs. Analysts are now questioning whether Ahmed Fiqi will face a similar fate.

Criticism of Foreign Policy Approach

President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has come under increasing scrutiny for what critics describe as an incoherent foreign policy driven more by personal interests than national strategy. This perceived inconsistency has left Somalia vulnerable to external interference, a challenge that continues to undermine the country’s sovereignty and recovery from decades of conflict.

With Ethiopia and Egypt both vying for influence in Somalia, the fragile political environment remains a reflection of the broader geopolitical rivalries shaping the Horn of Africa.

Garowe Online