Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-18 12:47:32
Tensions are running high at the African Union Heads of State and Government summit in Ethiopia, as Somalia has accused the host nation of attempting to prevent President Hassan Mohamud from accessing the venue. The allegations were made through a press release issued by Somalia’s Foreign Affairs department, which claimed that President Mohamud’s delegation was obstructed by Ethiopian security forces. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Somalia declared that this action violates diplomatic and international protocols, as well as the established traditions of the African Union.
Somalia emphasized that, as the host of the African Union headquarters, Ethiopia has an obligation to treat all African leaders equally. They emphasized that hosting the AU is an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia, and therefore the country’s leadership and government should conduct themselves accordingly. Somalia demanded that the AU conduct an independent investigation into the incident and warned that if Ethiopia fails to uphold its responsibilities with the necessary decorum, the AU headquarters should be relocated from Addis Ababa.
The ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia are further exacerbated by Ethiopia’s decision to support the sovereignty of Somaliland, a region considered by Somalia to be an annexed territory. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland to access its port at the Red Sea. During this latest exchange with Ethiopia, Somalia alleged that the obstruction of its president added to a growing list of erratic actions by Prime Minister Abiy’s administration.
Ethiopia responded to these allegations in an effort to de-escalate the tension, emphasizing its commitment to cordial relations with its neighbor. However, Ethiopia blamed Somalia for refusing to adhere to outlined security measures. Ethiopia stated that it warmly welcomed the President of Somalia with full honors accorded to all Heads of State and Government arriving for the AU summit, and it is responsible for the security of all leaders while they are in the country. Ethiopia claimed that the Somalia delegation refused the assigned state security personnel and attempted to enter the AU premises with weapons, which was blocked by AU security.
Security forces with guns were reported at the Somalia president’s hotel, which forced him to join another head of state’s entourage to travel to the AU headquarters. Meanwhile, President William Ruto of another country flew to Ethiopia to join his fellow heads of state for the continental meeting and is set to address the leaders on various issues, including access to education.
The summit’s theme is focused on building resilient education systems for Africa’s 21st-century human capital, which will provide solutions to the crisis that has left over 98 million children in Africa without access to schooling.
As the tensions continue to simmer, the African Union summit remains a crucial platform for continental leaders to address pressing issues and foster cooperation and understanding among member states. The diplomatic conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia underscores the complex dynamics at play in African politics and the challenges of regional integration and cooperation.
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