Tag: Italy

Somalia’s Denial of Somaliland Won’t Rewrite the Books

Somalia’s Denial of Somaliland Won’t Rewrite the Books

When Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud took the stage at the 37th African Union Summit in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa on February 17th, 2024, his harsh criticism of the recent Ethiopia-Somaliland cooperation agreement displayed a short-sighted and counterproductive approach to a complex political issue with deep historical roots. Rather than advancing reconciliation, his remarks entrenched long-held positions and undermined opportunity for constructive engagement between key stakeholders in the Horn of Africa region. Continue reading “Somalia’s Denial of Somaliland Won’t Rewrite the Books”

Somalia President will Meet Abiy of Ethiopia in Italy Soon

Somalia President will Meet Abiy of Ethiopia in Italy Soon

Caasimada Online news website said on Saturday that Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are scheduled to meet on the sidelines during the Italian Summit with African Countries.

Next week is the scheduled date of the summit; eight prime ministers and fifteen presidents have accepted the offer to participate, along with additional African delegates. Among the African leaders who accepted the invitation to the meeting in Italy are Hassan Sheikh of Somalia and Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia.

 

 

The leader of Somalia, whose government has accused Ethiopia of plotting to takeover portions of Somalia, will meet for the first time with Ethiopia since its intention to lease navy base along the Red Sea with Somaliland infuriated them.

According to the news outlet, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will hold the meeting on Sunday night in an effort to defuse the tensions, which experts warn might have serious consequences.

From left: Adem Farah, first vice president, Abiy Ahmed, President, and Temesgen Tiruneh, newly appointed second vice president of the Prosperity Party (PP)

As recently as yesterday, the ruling Prosperity Party (PP), led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, announced that the party has resolved to bring the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland “to a practical agreement” while simultaneously paying attention to the principles of give and take to secure additional options to port access with other neighboring countries. This announcement came at the conclusion of four days of meetings by members of both the Executive and the Central Committee.

The Memorandum of Understanding with Somalinad, according to the ruling party, further validates “Ethiopia’s position for regional economic and cultural ties.”

 

 

Thus far, based on political maneuvers, it is evident that PM Abiy and his administration are dedicated to seeing this Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland through, irrespective of regional and international diplomatic pressures.

However, the Somali government had previously stated that talks with Ethiopia would not be possible until Ethiopia canceled its deal with Somaliland, which has not yet occurred.

It’s probable that the president of Somalia would be reminded of historical information regarding the merged nations that formed the Somali Republic in 1960 by a former master, colonizer, and administrator.

How Italy Aided in the Ruin of Somalia & Fighting SNM

How Italy Aided in the Ruin of Somalia & Fighting SNM

The agony of Somalia has its roots in the endemic political corruption of Italy. Throughout the 1980s, Italian politicians and businessmen used the country, once a colony of Italy’s, as a playground for huge construction projects that either did little to help the local population or actually disrupted and damaged Somalian society. Continue reading “How Italy Aided in the Ruin of Somalia & Fighting SNM”