Tensions at AU Summit as Security Forces Clash With President
Tensions are escalating at the African Union Heads of State and Government summit in Ethiopia as Somalia alleges that the host nation is trying to block its president’s entry to the venue.
Somalia claimed, in an official statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that the security forces impeded President Hassan Mohamud’s delegation.
As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conduct violates diplomatic and international protocols and, more importantly, goes against the longstanding customs of the African Union.
“Given that Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, its leadership and government must treat all African leaders equally. Hosting the AU is both an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia,” Somalia stated.
It additionally condemned the purported unjustified move and called on the African Union to conduct an independent investigation into the incident by the union’s principles.
With differences between the two nations hitting a boiling point, Somalia alluded to escalating the tensions by demanding AU relocate its headquarters from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia if the latter “fails to uphold this honor and responsibility with the necessary decorum.”
The dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia originated when the latter chose to support the sovereignty of Somaliland, a region perceived by Somalia as an annexed territory. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia reached an agreement with Somaliland to gain access to its port on the Red Sea.
In the recent interaction with Ethiopia, Somalia claimed that the hindrance of its president was another example of the increasingly unpredictable behavior exhibited by Abiy’s government in recent times.
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Ethiopia has replied to Somalia’s accusations, aiming to ease the rising tension that poses a potential threat to the crucial continental summit, according to BBC journalist Wahiga Mwaura.
In a communication with the BBC, Ethiopia affirmed its dedication to maintaining friendly ties with its neighboring country. Nevertheless, it pointed the finger at Somalia for not complying with specified security measures.
”The Government of Ethiopia warmly welcomed the President of Somalia in full honors accorded to all Heads of State and Government arriving for the AU. As a host country, the Government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all Heads of State and Government while in the country.
Cause of the tension: “Somalia delegation refused the assigned state security personnel. Moreover, the Somali delegation security attempted to enter the AUC premises with weapons which was blocked off by AUC security,” Ethiopia stated.
Previously, reports stated that armed security forces were observed at the hotel of the President of Somalia. This situation compelled the president to relocate to the headquarters of the African Union by accompanying another head of state’s group.
Ruto at AU Summit: Meanwhile, President William Ruto on Friday flew to Ethiopia to join his fellow heads of state for the continental meeting and is set to address the leaders on various issues including access to education.
As per Hussein Mohamed, the spokesperson for the State House, the Summit aims to offer resolutions to the urgent situation where more than 98 million children in Africa are deprived of educational opportunities.
“The summit’s theme is on building resilient education systems for Africa’s 21st-century human capital,” the statement read in part.
Tensions at AU Summit as Security Forces Clash With President