The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) has published an article criticizing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s approach to relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, arguing that Mogadishu’s growing ties with regional powers could affect Ethiopia’s strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
The article focuses on relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, tensions over the Nile River, Red Sea security and shifting regional alliances.
It argues that Ethiopia has played a significant role in Somalia’s security affairs, particularly in efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group, and that preserving bilateral cooperation remains important to both countries.
A major focus of the commentary is the strengthening relationship between Somalia and Egypt.
According to the article, Addis Ababa is concerned that closer cooperation between Mogadishu, Cairo and other regional governments could affect Ethiopian interests relating to the Nile and the Red Sea.
The criticism comes after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended a four-way summit in New Alamein, Egypt, involving the leaders of Somalia, Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt over the use of Nile waters, as well as sensitive relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Egypt and Ethiopia have been at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Addis Ababa considers central to its development and electricity-generation ambitions.
Egypt, meanwhile, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting its water security, given its heavy dependence on the Nile. Sudan also has significant interests in the management of the river and the broader regional security environment.
Eritrea’s participation in the summit adds another dimension to Ethiopia’s concerns, as relations between the two neighbouring countries remain sensitive despite periods of rapprochement following years of hostility.
The ENA commentary reflects Addis Ababa’s interpretation of the changing regional political landscape.
It argues that disputes in the Horn of Africa should be addressed through dialogue, cooperation and consideration of the interests of all countries, rather than through alliances that could intensify rivalries between regional powers.
The article also emphasizes the close geographical, economic and security ties between Somalia and Ethiopia. The two countries share a long border and have interconnected interests involving trade, cross-border communities and regional stability.
Ethiopia has also been involved in Somalia’s security operations over many years, including deployments against Al-Shabaab.
However, Somalia has its own foreign policy priorities and maintains the right to develop strategic partnerships with Egypt and other countries.
Cairo has publicly supported Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, particularly amid disputes over Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access and its 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland.
For Mogadishu, the challenge is to maintain relations with neighbouring Ethiopia while expanding cooperation with other regional partners.
For Addis Ababa, the growing Somalia-Egypt relationship raises questions about the future balance of influence in a region where security, access to maritime routes and control of water resources are closely connected.
The Nile and the Red Sea have consequently become central to the wider strategic calculations of several Horn of Africa and North African countries.
Ethiopia seeks to develop its water resources and secure maritime access, while Egypt prioritizes Nile water security and countries along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden pursue their own security and economic interests.
Ultimately, the ENA article highlights Ethiopia’s concern about the direction of Somalia’s foreign relations and the implications of closer cooperation between Mogadishu and Cairo.
While Addis Ababa is advocating dialogue and continued bilateral cooperation, Somalia faces the task of balancing its relationships with both countries while prioritizing its sovereignty, national security and economic interests.
