Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on another significant journey to Eritrea today, marking his fifth visit to the nation since his re-election. The Somali Presidency announced the trip, describing it as a working visit, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Upon arrival at the Asmara airport, President Mohamud was warmly received by his Eritrean counterpart, Isaias Afwerki. The Eritrean Ministry of Information released details about the two-day visit, emphasizing discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and addressing broader regional and international issues.
This diplomatic venture comes at a time when Somalia’s relations with neighboring Ethiopia have notably deteriorated, following an understanding agreement in which Ethiopia was granted a 20 km maritime stretch and a military base by the President of Somaliland. The move has been widely criticized and viewed by many as Ethiopia’s attempt to illegally access part of the Somali sea, raising significant sovereignty and legal concerns.
Furthermore, the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has been strained since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sought access to ports along the Red Sea. President Mohamud’s visit, therefore, is seen as a strategic move to strengthen alliances and address the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s controversial maritime ambitions.
As Somalia navigates these choppy diplomatic waters, the international community watches closely. The outcomes of these discussions and the shifts in regional alliances will not only shape the future of Somalia’s foreign relations but also have broader implications for stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
