By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – The Federal Government of Somalia has summoned the Ethiopian Ambassador in Mogadishu following remarks allegedly made against the Egyptian military contingent scheduled to arrive in the country.
According to Somali officials, the Ethiopian envoy reportedly made derogatory comments targeting the Egyptian forces, who are expected to join Somalia under a new bilateral security cooperation agreement between Mogadishu and Cairo. The deployment is part of broader efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security institutions amid persistent threats from the militant group Al-Shabaab.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned the Ethiopian ambassador against making similar statements in the future, emphasizing that Ethiopia should refrain from interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs.
Diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have increased in recent months, particularly after Ethiopia signed a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January, granting potential access to the Red Sea. Somalia rejected the deal, citing violations of its sovereignty, further straining bilateral relations.
The latest diplomatic action reflects Mogadishu’s heightened sensitivity to external interference as it works to reinforce sovereignty and expand security cooperation with regional allies, including Egypt.
