By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is traveling to Kenya for expected trilateral talks with Kenyan President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to Somali officials.
The meetings, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, follow a recent encounter between Ruto and Abiy in Addis Ababa earlier this week, regional sources said.
Officials accompanying President Mohamud said the discussions will focus on Somalia’s security and political situation, as well as broader regional cooperation and relations among Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. The talks are also expected to address shared security concerns, including the fight against militant groups and cross-border stability in the Horn of Africa.
However, Somali opposition politicians have expressed skepticism about the stated agenda. They allege that Villa Somalia is seeking regional backing for a potential extension of the current administration’s mandate and is asking neighboring countries to help ease political pressure from opposition groups and some federal member states that maintain close ties with Kenya and Ethiopia.
The federal government has not publicly responded to the opposition’s claims, reiterating instead that the Nairobi talks are part of routine diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening regional stability and cooperation.
Somalia has faced growing political tensions in recent months, with disputes over electoral processes, power-sharing and relations between the central government and federal member states. Analysts say the outcome of the Nairobi meetings could have significant implications for Somalia’s internal politics and its relations with key regional partners.
President Mohamud’s visit underscores the increasing role of regional diplomacy as Somalia navigates both security challenges and a fragile political landscape.
