ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia’s state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) has published a strongly worded opinion article criticizing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over Somalia’s participation in a recent regional declaration involving Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea.
The article, written by Gezmu Edicha and titled “How President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Betrayal Undermines Regional Realities,” accused the Somali president of supporting a regional position that, according to the author, conflicts with Ethiopia’s strategic interests concerning the Nile River and Red Sea.
The article focused on the October 4 meeting in New El-Alamein, Egypt, where the leaders of Somalia, Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea signed a joint declaration addressing regional stability, Red Sea security and transboundary water issues. The declaration called for respect for international principles governing shared waterways, including avoiding significant harm and relying on prior notification, consultation and consensus on actions affecting downstream countries.
ENA’s article argued that Somalia’s participation in the declaration could place Mogadishu closer to Cairo, Khartoum and Asmara on issues that Ethiopia considers strategically important.
The author also highlighted Ethiopia’s historical military and political involvement in Somalia, citing Ethiopia’s participation in reconciliation efforts and security operations against Al-Shabaab. The article argued that Somalia’s current position does not reflect what it described as Ethiopia’s long-standing contribution to Somalia’s state-building and security.
Dispute Over the Nile
A major focus of the article was the Nile River dispute. Ethiopia has repeatedly defended its right to develop and use the Blue Nile, while Egypt and Sudan have raised concerns over the potential impact of Ethiopian projects on downstream water supplies.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry said on October 5 that discussions concerning the Abay River and the Red Sea should take into account Ethiopia’s geographic circumstances and what it described as its legitimate national interests.
The dispute has become increasingly intertwined with wider regional politics, particularly as Ethiopia continues to seek greater access to the Red Sea.
Red Sea Access Becomes Another Point of Tension
The ENA article also criticized what it portrayed as attempts to exclude Ethiopia from discussions about Red Sea security.
Ethiopia is landlocked but has repeatedly argued that its population, economy and geographic proximity give it a legitimate interest in Red Sea affairs. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated this position earlier this week, saying Ethiopia would continue working to secure an outlet to the sea through negotiation.
Meanwhile, Somalia, Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea have emphasized the role of Red Sea coastal states in managing the region’s maritime security. The four countries’ October 4 declaration rejected actions that could affect their security and water interests.
Did ENA Remove the Article?
There have been reports circulating that ENA removed the article from its website after publication, raising questions about why it may have been taken down and whether the agency would issue an explanation.
However, the article is currently accessible on ENA’s English-language website, and a French-language version is also available. This means claims that the article has been permanently deleted cannot currently be independently confirmed.
The existence of the article itself has nevertheless attracted attention because of the unusually strong language used against a sitting Somali president. The article uses terms such as “betrayal” and argues that Hassan Sheikh’s position undermines Ethiopia’s regional interests. These are the author’s characterizations and should not be treated as established facts.
The development comes at a particularly sensitive moment in Horn of Africa diplomacy, with Ethiopia seeking Red Sea access, continuing disagreements over Nile waters, and Somalia strengthening relations with Egypt and other regional partners.
Whether the publication represents an official shift in Ethiopia’s policy toward Somalia or primarily reflects the views of the article’s author remains unclear. ENA has also published other material emphasizing the importance of maintaining relations with Somalia, including coverage of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcoming President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Addis Ababa in September.
The episode nonetheless highlights the growing diplomatic sensitivity surrounding Somalia-Ethiopia relations, Red Sea access and the Nile dispute, issues that are increasingly interconnected in the politics of the Horn of Africa.
