Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently held a secretive meeting with representatives from Egypt in Mogadishu on Sunday. This preceded his departure on Monday for a two-day visit to Asmara, Eritrea.
The delegation from Egypt, acting on behalf of President Abdel Fatah Elsisi, had arrived in Mogadishu the previous day. However, the specifics of this visit were not disclosed until the meeting with President Mohamud had concluded.
Somalia's presidential office, Villa Somalia, issued a formal statement revealing that the Egyptian delegation extended an official invitation to President Mohamud to visit Egypt.
During the meeting at Villa Somalia, the Egyptian envoys expressed President El Sisi’s unwavering commitment to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Following this meeting, President Mohamud proceeded to Asmara, responding to an invitation from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.
This flurry of diplomatic activity takes place amidst growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The tension escalated following a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Ethiopia and Hargeisa, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. This MOU has been deemed "illegitimate" by the Somali federal government.
In response to these developments, there have been rising concerns, including statements from Somali military officials suggesting the possible mobilization of insurgents in both Ethiopia and Somaliland.
How do the latest diplomatic developments reflect the complex and difficult political landscape in the Horn of Africa?
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