Ethiopia accuses Hassan Sheikh of 'betrayal' after El Alamein meeting

Addis Ababa (Caasimada Online) – The Ethiopian government has strongly reacted to the position of the President of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud regarding the statement issued from the meeting held by Somalia, Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan on October 4 in the city of Al-Calamayn in Egypt, which addressed the tensions surrounding the Nile River.

The leaders of the four countries emphasized the importance of respecting international law governing transboundary rivers, including the Nile River, particularly the principle of not causing harm, and the obligation of cooperation through prior notification, consultation, and agreement; while fully rejecting any unilateral actions that negatively affect the current water usage of the two countries located in the lower part of the Nile River.

The Ethiopian News Agency, in a report, accused Hassan Sheikh of supporting actions that it claimed undermine Ethiopia's strategic interests, particularly those related to the use of Nile River water and Red Sea security issues.

The report, titled “The Deceptions of President Hassan Sheikh are Detrimental to the Realities of the Region,” argued that President Hassan Sheikh is indirectly supporting a political stance that limits Ethiopia's role in the region.

On the other hand, Ethiopia has mentioned the long-standing relationship with Somalia, highlighting its significant role in Somalia's reconciliation efforts and the support that Ethiopian forces provide to Somalia, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The report also stated that the support President Hassan Sheikh showed in the Al-Calamayn statement could lead to a reevaluation of the security and cooperation relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia that has existed for many years.

On the other hand, the Ethiopian report criticized the President of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki, with the author arguing that Eritrea's role in the Al-Calamayn conference appeared to lean towards the interests of Egypt, particularly regarding issues related to the Nile waters.

However, Ethiopia has long had disputes with Egypt and Sudan over the management and use of the Nile waters, with the main contention being Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam, which Egypt and Sudan have expressed concerns about its impact.

It is also noted that Ethiopia, which does not have a coastline, has recently shown a significant need for a maritime trade route, an issue that has become part of Addis Ababa's foreign policy and its relations with neighboring countries.