(19-01-24) KAMPALA (Halqabsi News) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is en route to Cairo tonight for an official visit, following an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This diplomatic move comes directly after President Mohamud attends the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit in Kampala on Friday.
After recent provocative statements by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the visit assumes greater significance, suggesting ambitions to annex Somali territories including its coastline and potential port areas. This development has heightened regional tensions, recalling the 2006 Ethiopian invasion of Somalia which led to the emergence of Al Shabaab as a dominant terrorist force.
President Mohamud, known for his direct involvement in the two-year campaign against Al Shabaab, reclaimed significant territories from the terrorist group. His leadership in this conflict has been a cornerstone of his presidency, underscoring his commitment to Somalia’s security and sovereignty.
The international community, including the Arab League, African Union, IGAD, the United States, the European Union, and Turkiye, has consistently reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity. However, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s aggressive posturing continues to raise concerns.
In a strong response, President Mohamud vowed to defend Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against what he termed the ‘axis of destabilizers’, comprising Al Shabaab and Ethiopian interests. His visit to Cairo is anticipated to be a crucial step in securing Egypt’s support against these threats, alongside other key nations like the United States, Turkey, and Eritrea, viewed as potential deterrents to Ethiopia’s ambitions in Somalia.
Halqabsi News
