Wednesday December 11, 2024
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrives in Ankara, Turkey, leading a delegation for critical talks with Ethiopian officials. The discussions, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aim to address escalating tensions over Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland.
Ankara (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ankara on Monday night, leading a delegation to join talks mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Now, in their third round, the discussions aim to resolve escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a contentious agreement with Somaliland.
The Somali government has drawn a clear line: no direct engagement with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed unless Addis Ababa retracts its deal with Somaliland and acknowledges Somalia's sovereignty and territorial unity.
The talks come at a critical juncture for Somalia, which views Ethiopia's actions as an affront to its territorial integrity. President Mohamud's delegation includes Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali "Sanbalolshe", former Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Guled, National Security Advisor, Hussein Moalim, Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. Their presence underscores Mogadishu's determination to defend its national interests.
"Somalia remains steadfast in its commitment to sovereignty and unity," a Somali government official stated. "Any negotiations must respect these principles."