Ethiopia Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Steering Somalia Towards an Alliance Against Ethiopia

Addis Ababa – The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) has published an article strongly criticizing the foreign policy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of steering Somalia towards a political direction that Ethiopia sees as contrary to its strategic interests and aspirations.

The ENA article specifically focused on President Hassan Sheikh's participation in the quadrilateral summit held on October 4 in the city of New El-Alamein, Egypt, which brought together the leaders of Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan.

The summit resulted in a joint statement addressing regional stability, the sovereignty of states, security in the Red Sea, combating terrorism, and economic cooperation. The statement also specifically addressed transboundary rivers, including the Nile River, emphasizing the principle of “not causing harm” and that actions affecting the use of water by downstream countries should be based on prior notice, consultation, and mutual agreement.

ENA interpreted this as part of a political alliance that it claimed indirectly limits Ethiopia's interests related to economic development, the Nile River, and the Red Sea.

The article particularly criticized the support President Hassan Sheikh expressed for the statement, arguing that the position of Mogadishu differs from the long-standing relationship and support Ethiopia has had with Somalia. The Ethiopian News Agency noted in its article Ethiopia's role in Somali affairs since the collapse of the central government in the country in 1991.

It argued that Ethiopia has played a role in the reconciliation efforts in Somalia, mentioning the conferences held in Sodere and Mbagathi and the role Ethiopia played in the efforts to build Somalia's governmental institutions. Additionally, the article emphasized the role of Ethiopian forces in security operations in Somalia and the battles against Al-Shabaab.

ENA stated that Ethiopian forces were part of security efforts including the African Union operations in Somalia, mentioning AMISOM, ATMIS, and AUSSOM, and argued that Ethiopian forces played a role in the battles aimed at securing important cities and regions.

The main point of criticism from ENA was the fifth article of the El-Alamein statement, which pertains to transboundary rivers. The statement indicated that the four countries consider it important to respect international law regarding transboundary rivers, particularly the Nile River, and to uphold the principle of not causing harm to other countries.

The statement also mentioned that cooperation on water issues should be based on prior notification, consultation, and mutual understanding, while rejecting unilateral actions that could harm the water usage of Egypt and Sudan, the two countries located downstream of the Nile.