Addis Ababa: Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Addis Ababa on Sunday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
During his stay, Hassan Sheikh is expected to hold talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior civilian and military officials on issues including diplomatic relations, regional peace and security, trade and possibly the implementation of the Ankara Declaration.
The visit comes at a politically sensitive time for Somalia, where President Hassan’s administration has faced growing public discontent and political tensions in recent months. Some political observers say the trip could form part of a broader regional diplomatic outreach by the Somali leader as he seeks to consolidate support amid domestic challenges.
Upon his arrival in Addis Ababa, Hassan Sheikh was welcomed by Adem Farah, deputy president of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party. The visit is scheduled to continue through June 29.
The trip also comes against the backdrop of renewed tensions over Somaliland’s international engagement. Somalia has recently intensified its criticism of countries, including Ethiopia, that it believes may move toward recognizing Somaliland as an independent state, particularly following Somaliland’s opening of a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have improved in recent months following the Ankara Declaration, which helped ease tensions that had escalated after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in early 2024.
