Somalia: How Hassan Sheikh was 'harassed' in Ethiopia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A diplomatic spat is looming in the Horn of Africa with a series of unprecedented incidents during the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, in what opens a conversion about territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries.

In a 13-minute press conference, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud lamented what he termed as 'harassment' and 'intimidation' by the Ethiopian government, sending a stern warning about future relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa.

According to Hassan Sheikh, his entourage was denied access out of the Hotel room in Addis Ababa, forcing him to seek assistance from Djibouti President Omar Guelleh. The team used Guelleh's vehicles, Hassan Sheikh said in a statement.

"This morning when I prepared myself to come and attend the closed session of the summit, the Ethiopian security blocked my way," Mohamud told reporters, after later gaining entry to the venue for the meeting.

He said he had tried again with another head of state, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, but they were also blocked from the AU headquarters. This is the first of the incidents involving two neighboring nations whose relationship has been blowing hot and cold but has never escalated to these levels.

"A soldier with a gun stood in front of us and denied us access to this facility," he said. Later on, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded independent investigations into the incident, arguing that it breached 'protocols'.

However, the government of Ethiopia has since denied the claims, noting that Hassan Sheikh was given a befitting reception as Somalia’s head of state. It accused Somalia of 'exaggerating' the situation for 'political expediency'.

"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 the host country, the Government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all Heads of State and Government while in the country.

"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 remains committed to cordial relations with its neighbour," read the statement.

Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, which will see the country getting 20 kilometers of the Red Sea for the construction of a port and military base. In return, Ethiopia pledged to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, leading to contention with Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE