Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Nairobi on Thursday, coinciding with the expiration of the ultimatum Somalia issued to Ethiopia demanding the closure of its consulates in Hargeisa and Garowe. The visit follows an invitation from Kenyan President William Ruto and occurs amidst a tense diplomatic backdrop concerning the Horn of Africa.
While the specific agenda for President Mohamud and President Ruto’s meeting remains undisclosed, it is understood that the discussions may revolve around ongoing diplomatic efforts to defuse the escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The contention centers on a Memorandum of Understanding signed on January 1st between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent state of Somaliland, which Somalia contests.
Presidents Ruto and Ismail Oguelleh of Djibouti have been spearheading back-channel diplomatic efforts aimed at reconciling the differences between Ethiopia and Somalia. Despite a round of talks hosted in Kenya last month, which concluded without definitive results, the diplomatic endeavor continues, with a subsequent round anticipated to take place in Djibouti. However, the schedule for these talks remains undecided.
In a statement on social media, President Ruto underscored Kenya’s dedication to fostering peace and security in the region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Kenya and Somalia for mutual prosperity. He highlighted the bilateral discussion on joint initiatives targeting terrorism and the broader spectrum of regional insecurity.
The diplomatic rift and the role of international mediation underscore the delicate balance of interests and the intricate web of relations in the Horn of Africa.
