Hassan Sheikh heading to two countries after meeting with Abiy

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) — The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is expected to visit the countries of Djibouti and Egypt this week, where he will hold various meetings with the leaders of both countries, according to Caasimada Online.

A senior official from the Somali government stated that the president will first go to Djibouti, and then he will proceed to Cairo.

The official mentioned that the current plan is for Hassan Sheikh to visit Djibouti on Wednesday, and then travel to Egypt on Friday.

However, other sources familiar with the travel plans have indicated that both trips could take place on Friday, with the president first passing through Djibouti, and then proceeding to Egypt.

The discrepancy in the information regarding the travel days indicates that the final schedule may still change.

These trips are expected to discuss Somalia's relations with both countries, the political and security situation in the Horn of Africa, and issues concerning the Red Sea.

They come days after Hassan Sheikh made a one-day visit to Addis Ababa, where he met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday.

Caasimada Online previously reported that the trip to Ethiopia came after a request made by Abiy Ahmed to Hassan Sheikh, and an agreement was reached prior to last week's United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

The Djibouti Trip

The meetings of Hassan Sheikh in Djibouti are expected to focus on the relationship between the two countries and the situation in the region, particularly the security issues of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.

Djibouti is located in a strategic position near the Bab al-Mandab strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and is one of the most important trade routes in the world.

The country is also among the political and security allies of Somalia, hosting the headquarters of the IGAD regional organization.

Issues in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have recently become increasingly important, as the conflicts in Sudan and Yemen and attacks on commercial vessels have heightened security concerns in the region.

The Egypt Trip

Hassan Sheikh is also expected to hold high-level political and security meetings during his trip to Egypt.

The relationship between Mogadishu and Cairo has significantly strengthened in recent years, particularly in the areas of defense and security.

The two countries have elevated military cooperation, with senior Egyptian officials recently meeting with Somali leaders in Mogadishu to discuss training, capacity building of the forces, and support for the national army.

The meetings in Egypt are also expected to address the situation in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and regional security issues.

President Hassan Sheikh is expected to participate in high-level African meetings taking place in the city of New Alamein during his stay in Egypt.

Egypt is hosting several African meetings in the city from October 2 to 4, including a summit of African leaders and the African Union.

Sources also indicate that other African leaders may participate in these meetings, including Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, although their participation has not yet been officially confirmed.

President Hassan Sheikh's visits to Djibouti and Egypt come at a time when the region is facing serious security and political challenges, including renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, the conflict in Sudan, and tensions in the Red Sea.