By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA — An emergency meeting of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council focusing on the situation in Somalia is ongoing, with foreign ministers, the AU Commission Chairperson and other senior officials in attendance.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister on Tuesday concluded his address to the council, a speech that has sparked questions and uncertainty due to its lack of clarity on a key regional issue. The minister did not explicitly state Ethiopia’s position regarding reports of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, nor did he indicate whether Addis Ababa supports or opposes such a move.
Instead, the Ethiopian foreign minister spoke in broad terms about neighborly relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, emphasizing mutual respect, regional cooperation and Ethiopia’s role in supporting Somalia’s security and stability. He reiterated Ethiopia’s long-standing involvement in peacekeeping efforts and counterterrorism operations aimed at combating militant groups in Somalia.
The absence of a clear position has drawn attention from diplomats and observers attending the meeting, with expectations mounting that Ethiopia may issue an official statement once the emergency session concludes.
Meanwhile, several other member states participating in the meeting expressed clear and firm positions on Somalia. They strongly reaffirmed their support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, underscoring the African Union’s long-standing principle of respecting the borders of its member states.
The emergency meeting comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing diplomatic concern over developments affecting Somalia’s political stability and territorial integrity. The AU Peace and Security Council is expected to issue a communiqué outlining its conclusions and next steps following the close of the session.
