There is no room for mediation with Ethiopia, says Somalia president

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The president of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reiterated that his administration will not allow mediation talks with Ethiopia, not until Addis Ababa withdraws the controversial agreement with Somaliland.

Both Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are in Rome for the Italy-Africa Summit, but Villa Somalia maintains the two will not have any meaningful dialogue until the MoU signed is formally withdrawn by Ethiopia.

If implemented, the MoU will see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of the Red Sea deep in Somalia for construction of a Naval Base and port in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.

According to Abdulkafir Ali Dige, the Director of Communications within Villa Somalia, “There are no plans for any mediation meetings with Ethiopia, neither in Italy nor in any other location.”

“This stance is in line with our position that there is no room for mediation unless Ethiopia retracts its illegal MoU and reaffirms the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia,” Dige added, maintaining the hard stance of Somalia on the matter.

At Rome, Abiy's office announced, that he received an award from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) “For his vision, leadership and commitment to food security and nutrition as well as the pursuit of innovative solutions in wheat self-sufficiency.”

Ethiopia maintains that the MoU was signed in good faith and that it will not affect any state. Somaliland has accused members of the international community of 'meddling in our internal affairs' while insisting that the agreement is binding..

Against the backdrop of calls from the international community that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected, Ethiopia’s RedwanHussien recently posted on X that “As part of our commitment, we shall redouble our effort to ensure a better understanding.”

“Will listen to friends for possible coordination of efforts lowering rhetoric. Will continue striving to steadily reach at a conclusion with amicable considerations which benefit all,” he added.

For the last four weeks, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made numerous trips across the world while accusing Ethiopia of aggression. The president has also called upon the Somalis to 'defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty '.

“This MoU not only infringes upon Somalia's territorial rights but also undermines the principles of international law and regional stability,” says Dige.

“The Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to these principles and is ready to engage with all international partners, including members of the AU, UN, and IGAD, in a mutually beneficial relationship that is grounded in international law that can lead to economic development and shared prosperity,” Dige added.

The United States and the UK have strongly defended Somalia, maintaining that they will not hesitate to defend Somalia's territorial integrity. On her part, Egypt has maintained that it will go to war with any country planning to annex Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE