Ethiopia, Somalia diplomatic rift widens after alleged security breaches at AU Summit

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - Somali President Mohamud Hassan said on Saturday that the Ethiopian government wanted to annex part of his counytry's territory and had attempted twice to block his arrival at the venue of the African Union  (AU) heads of State Summit.

The Somalia leader said he had a rough encounter with the Ethiopian security forces who blocked his entourage from accessing the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, while travelling with the President of Djibouti, Omer Guelleh.

"The nice words of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have no meaning because of his actions. This is an attempt to annex Somalia," President Hassan told reporters in Addis Ababa.

Earlier, the Somali leader was seen walking away while the Ethiopian national anthem was playing during his arrival at the Bole International Airport on Friday.

Ethiopia entered a New Year agreement with Somaliliand to lease at least 21 km of maritime territory.

The territorial waters would be used to set up a seaport in exchange for strategic shareholding in a premium state institution, notably the Ethiopian Airlines.

Somaliland is also looking forward to some form of independent recognition from Ethiopia. The move has attracted international condemnation.

The Somalia President said the actions of Ethiopia violated diplomatic protocol and called into question Africa's respect as an emerging global powerhouse following its admission to the Group of 20 elite economies.

"We do not deserve that treatment from Ethiopia," the Somali leader said.

Ethiopia has not responded to what Somalia termed as a series of erratic actions on its diplomatic practice.

-0- PANA AO/MA 17Feb2024