Somalia Rules Out Talks Over Ethiopian MoU in Rome

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia has reiterated its stance against any dialogue over the controversial MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland even as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed will attend the Italy-Africa Summit in Rome today.

Villa Somalia Director of Communications Abdulkafir Dige said Sunday as the President departed for Rome that there were no plans for the two leaders to dialogue in Rome contrary to assertions by Ethiopia officials of a possible chat.

“There are no plans for any mediation meetings with Ethiopia, neither in Italy nor in any other location,” Dige said. He added, “This stance is in line with our position that there is no room for mediation unless Ethiopia retracts its illegal MoU and reaffirms the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.”

Ethiopia’s national security advisor Redwan Hussein wrote on his X account that his country was keen on diloague with Somalia.

As part of our commitment, we shall redouble our effort to ensure a better understanding.Will listen to friends for a possible coordination of efforts lowering rhetoric.Will continue striving to steadily reach at a conclusion  with amicable considerations which benefits all,” the NSA who also doubles as a minister said.

Dige however said Somalia was focused on engaging international partners like AU, UN, and IGAD, ‘in a mutually beneficial relationship that is grounded in international law that can lead to economic development and shared prosperity.’