Somalia president Hassan Sheikh holds talks with Arab League boss

CAIRO - The president of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a closed-door meeting with the Arab League of Nations Secretary, in what comes at a time when the country is fighting against Ethiopia's 'blatant aggression' on its territorial integrity.

Hassan Sheikh, who is in Cairo, held talks with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, just after the organisation released a statement condemning Ethiopia, which had signed a covert agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland.

The meeting, Villa Somalia noted, focused on the issues within the Horn of Africa, with the organisation defending Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Arab League termed Ethiopia's actions as 'unacceptable'.

"President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit," Villa Somalia reported just after the president landed in Cairo upon the invitation of President Abdulfattah Elsisi, who has also defended Somalia.

"The President expressed his deep appreciation to the Arab League Members for reaffirming the sanctity of the preservation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement posted on X further read.

Last week, both Ethiopia and Somaliland accused the Arab League of taking sides, maintaining that the organisation did not take time to study the MoU. Despite condemnation, Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed told the Non-Aligned Movement that 'we are determined to find a solution on access to sea'.

Once the agreement is fully implemented, Ethiopia will get 20 kilometres of Red Sea inside Somalia in exchange for recognition of Somaliland. The breakaway region has been fighting for international recognition.

President Hassan Sheikh will also discuss issues about the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland with Elsisi. The Egyptian leader is also at loggerheads with Ethiopia over the ongoing filling of the Grand Renaissance Dam along the Blue Nile.

GAROWE ONLINE