MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday held “fruitful talks” with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, focusing on further strengthening bilateral relations, regional stability, and development, according to a statement from Villa Somalia.
The Somali president’s office said the leaders “reaffirmed their shared vision and unwavering commitment to fostering a forward-looking partnership that serves the mutual interests of Somalia, Ethiopia, and the broader region.”
Mohamud, who attended the inauguration of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam on Tuesday, was seen walking alongside Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with both leaders placing their hands on each other’s shoulders in a display of camaraderie and close ties. Analysts noted this image underscored the strong alliance between the two, a development likely to raise concerns in Egypt, which has recently bolstered its diplomatic and military ties with Mogadishu.
On Tuesday, Mohamud also participated in a meeting in Ethiopia with the leaders of Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and the African Union chairperson to discuss funding efforts for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The meeting aimed to ensure that gains against the militant group Al-Shabaab are preserved.
While the precise details of the discussions between Abiy and Mohamud remain undisclosed, relations between the two neighbors have been strained since Ethiopia signed a controversial sea access agreement with Somaliland last year.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s growing support for Somali regional administrations at odds with Mohamud’s federal government – including Jubaland, Puntland, and Somaliland – has been a source of tension. Mohamud has repeatedly sought to persuade Addis Ababa to halt such support, but Ethiopia has shown little interest in changing course.
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