Addis Ababa – Ethiopia
President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa today, amid rising political tensions linked to the opposition conferences currently taking place in Kismayo.
Sources familiar with the developments told HornCurrent that President Hassan Sheikh views the Kismayo opposition conferences as carrying serious political implications for his administration. In response, he is reportedly pursuing intensive diplomatic engagements aimed at countering the political momentum generated by the meetings.
Regional Diplomacy and Expected Talks
According to the same sources, President Hassan Sheikh is seeking high-level discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to deliberate on the Kismayo conferences, their potential impact on Somalia’s federal system, and the broader state-building process.
While no official confirmation has been issued regarding the meeting, diplomatic circles indicate that consultations between the two sides are ongoing, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue and its regional implications.
Analysts’ Perspective
However, HornCurrent analysts express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of this diplomatic effort. According to their assessment, the visit risks becoming a loss of time and resources, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is widely viewed as unlikely to align with President Hassan Sheikh’s political approach, particularly at a time when the Somali leader is widely perceived to be approaching the final months of his political term.
Analysts further note that Ethiopia’s leadership is expected to prioritize regional stability and long-term strategic interests over involvement in Somalia’s internal political disputes, limiting the likelihood of substantive outcomes from the engagement.
Outlook
Observers suggest that the coming days will be critical in determining whether regional diplomacy can meaningfully influence Somalia’s internal political dynamics, or whether the Kismayo process will continue independently of federal-level efforts.
HornCurrent will continue to closely monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
