Somalia’s president declines meeting with Ethiopian PM in Beijing 

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – In a significant diplomatic development, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly declined a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the recent China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing. This decision comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries, Caasimada Online news website reported on Saturday. 

Sources within the Somali government have revealed that despite appeals from several prominent African leaders—including Djibouti’s President, Mauritania’s leader, and former Nigerian President and African Union Chair—President Mohamud refused to engage with Prime Minister Abiy. These leaders had reportedly advocated for the meeting in an effort to address and mitigate the growing discord between Somalia and Ethiopia. 

The diplomatic friction between the two nations intensified following the collapse of the second round of Turkey-brokered talks held in Ankara. The negotiations, aimed at resolving issues related to the contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, ultimately broke down. Somalia’s insistence on Ethiopia retracting the MoU, which grants it access to the sea, clashed with Addis Ababa’s firm stance on maintaining its prior commitments. 

The MoU in question has been a point of contention, with Somalia arguing that its terms undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ethiopia, on the other hand, has maintained its position, asserting that the agreement with Somaliland is essential for regional stability and cooperation. The inability to reach a consensus on this issue has strained diplomatic relations and contributed to the current impasse. 

President Mohamud’s refusal to meet with Prime Minister Abiy at the summit reflects the deepening rift and the complex nature of the diplomatic dispute. 

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