(28-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The intricate geopolitics involving Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti have once again come under scrutiny following Fahad Yassin’s critical remarks on President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti. Yassin, the former director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), accuses Guelleh of scheming to perpetuate Somalia’s crises, highlighting the recent maritime pact between Somaliland’s Muse Bihi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Yassin in an article posted on X on Sunday, asserts that Guelleh’s strategy hinges on keeping Somalia in a perpetual state of turmoil. He argues that when Ethiopian interests in accessing the sea were vocalized, Guelleh perceived a threat to Djibouti and swiftly initiated an intelligence and diplomatic plan to safeguard his nation’s interests.
According to Yassin, Guelleh influenced the dialogue between Ethiopia and Somalia, convincing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to support an agreement allowing Ethiopia sea access through Somaliland. Yassin critiques Sheikh’s hesitation, which he perceives as aiding Guelleh’s alleged machinations.
Furthermore, Yassin accuses Guelleh of orchestrating a dialogue conference between Somalia and the Somaliland administration under the guise of strengthening negotiations, a move President Sheikh reportedly embraced without recognizing its underlying intentions.
Yassin describes a scenario where Guelleh and Ethiopia allegedly agreed to allow Somaliland and Ethiopia to forge a maritime agreement, with Muse Bihi acting as the signatory. This agreement, Yassin claims, was sanctioned by Villa Somalia, the seat of the Somali government.
In a surprising twist, Yassin alleges that at a subsequent meeting, Guelleh revealed his hidden agenda to President Sheikh, leading to a phone discussion with Prime Minister Abiy. The conditions set by Sheikh for the maritime agreement included not recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity and awaiting a fuller agreement with the Somali Federal Government.
Yassin criticizes the subsequent developments, pointing out President Sheikh’s dismay over the direct agreement between Abiy and Bihi, which he perceives as a disregard for the initial conditions set by Somalia.
Yassin’s article delves into historical contexts, accusing Guelleh of various actions detrimental to Somali interests, including supporting the Mingistu regime during the 1977 war and influencing the Arta conference to prevent a unifying Somali government. He also criticizes Guelleh’s stance during the 2006 Tigray administration’s invasion of Somalia and the handling of the maritime dispute with Kenya.
Concluding his fiery piece, Yassin poses a rhetorical question to President Guelleh, challenging him to align openly with Somali interests, given his complex history with the nation and the respect afforded to him by President Sheikh.
This article reflects the complexity and depth of regional politics in the Horn of Africa, underscoring the delicate balance of power, historical grievances, and the ongoing struggle for geopolitical influence.
Halqabsi News
