Mogadishi, Somalia (Horseed Media); In a significant address to Somalia’s Federal Parliament on Saturday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud strongly criticized Ethiopia’s recent statements regarding Red Sea access, marking an escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two Horn of Africa neighbors.
During his speech to both houses of Parliament, President Mohamud referenced the historically complex relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, noting that while the nations have shared periods of peace, current Ethiopian policies are threatening this stability. He specifically addressed Ethiopia’s recent expressions of interest in gaining Red Sea access, characterizing them as a threat to Somalia’s territorial integrity.
“Ethiopia already holds Somali territory inherited from colonial arrangements,” President Mohamud stated. “Now they seek to expand further into our sovereign borders.”
The Somali President also highlighted recent defense cooperation agreements signed with Egypt and Turkey, emphasizing that these partnerships are designed to protect Somalia’s national interests. “These agreements will not destabilize the Horn of Africa,” he assured, “but they will check Ethiopian ambitions that disregard international law.”
In a direct message to Addis Ababa, Mohamud called on Ethiopia to respect its role within the African Union and adhere to established continental protocols regarding national boundaries.
The speech comes in response to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Thursday address to his parliament, where he reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering desire for Red Sea access, though emphasizing a peaceful approach to achieving this goal.
The diplomatic tension highlights growing regional concerns over maritime access and territorial sovereignty in the strategically important Horn of Africa region.
HORSEED MEDIA
