Sanaag Social Workers Organization (SSWO)

Reports today indicate that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is heading to Addis Ababa to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This is a grave mistake. Ten months ago, the president was detained in Addis while attending the AU Summit. Throughout 2024, Ethiopia and Abiy schemed to dismember Somalia and annex its sea and land. They haven’t stopped. Less than a month ago, Abiy stalled the Ankara negotiations for seven hours, objecting to the inclusion of the phrase “Somalia’s unity will be respected” in the communiqué. Now, the Turkish president is reportedly planning visits to Ethiopia and Somalia to mediate and normalize relations, expected in Addis and Mogadishu within days or weeks. So why rush to Addis now—a country actively scheming against Somalia? Doesn’t the opinion of the Somali people matter? These are the same people who stood by you. Why throw them under the bus? Abiy and his deep state know how to manipulate and push their interests. They’re creating a wedge between you and your people, setting you up for betrayal once they have you exposed. What is wrong with you? Why can’t you read the room? Somalia has built strong allies like Egypt, Djibouti, and Eritrea, who stuck their necks out for Somalia and for you as a leader. They risked and strained their relationships with Ethiopia and Abiy’s enablers—those who wish ill for Somalia. Are you throwing that all away too? Why act as though nothing has happened? This is the same Ethiopia that sought to seize Somalia’s seas 500 years ago, still wants them now, and will likely want them 500 years from today. The irony is that you and your officials privately admit to Somalis that their worst fears about Abiy’s intentions are true—nothing has changed. Instead of engaging with Abiy, focus on making peace with other Somalis. Go to Puntland and assist in their fight against ISIS. Provide them with some of the resources the world has given to Somalia to tackle this terror group. Reconcile with Mogadishu politicians, including the two former presidents, past prime ministers, and opposition MPs. Make peace with Jubaland. That’s how Somalia can move forward, enabling elections and an agreed-upon constitution. You have real internal issues to address—issues that can be solved. Yet, you seem to be chasing a mirage: Ethiopia is a rational state with two clear objectives—to keep Somalia destabilized and to seize its sea. You have said this yourself over the past twelve months. Have you forgotten? Mr. President, Abiy is an intelligence officer, and he is entrapping you. He will not cajole or arm-twist regional leaders who oppose you, and even if he tries, it will come at great cost to Somalia and to you.