President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: A Champion of Somali Sovereignty Amidst Ethiopian Provocations

 

President Mohamud has emerged as a voice of reason and resilience, rallying the Somali people around the principles of unity and national sovereignty.


In the face of adversity, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has emerged as a beacon of resilience and steadfastness, earning widespread admiration and support from his fellow Somalis. Since the beginning of the year, President Mohamud's leadership has seen a meteoric rise in approval ratings, bolstered by his unwavering stance against the illegal and immature actions of the Ethiopian government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.


The recent events surrounding an illegal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ethiopia and a regional state in Somalia have highlighted the dangers posed by such reckless behavior. This MOU, declared without proper consultation or consent from the Somali federal government, not only violates international norms but also fuels instability in the region. 


The illegal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ethiopia and a regional state within Somalia has been met with resounding rejection from the international community, underscoring the gravity of Ethiopia's unilateral actions. 


Organizations such as the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and prominent global players like the United States and the European Union have all unequivocally condemned the MOU, recognizing it as a blatant violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Furthermore, even the Arab League, including member states like Qatar, has joined in denouncing this egregious breach of international norms. 


This unified stance from diverse regional and international actors underscores the universal condemnation of Ethiopia's reckless behavior and underscores the need for a concerted effort to address the underlying issues and restore stability to the region.


Al-Shabab, the notorious extremist group, has capitalized on this situation, exploiting the unrest and discontent sparked by the illegal MOU to further its agenda. The Somali government and national intelligence has reported a surge in recruitment by Al-Shabab, attributing it directly to the chaos unleashed by Ethiopia's unilateral actions.


President Mohamud's resolute opposition to this illegal MOU has earned him the unwavering support of the Somali people. However, Ethiopia's childish behavior has reached new heights of absurdity, as evidenced by a recent incident where Ethiopian security personnel attempted to block President Mohamud from entering the African Union conference center. 


Amidst escalating tensions, President Mohamud faced a crucial decision regarding his attendance at the recent African Union (AU) Summit. 


While many of his advisors and the public urged him to boycott the meeting and make a statement through absence, President Mohamud chose to participate as a guest of the African Union, demonstrating his respect for the institution and his commitment to engaging constructively with African leaders.


This decision proved to be a blessing in disguise, as President Mohamud found himself on the receiving end of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's provocative behavior.


The President of Somalia highlighted an incident where the convoy of his and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, along with their accompanying delegations, faced forceful attempts by Ethiopian Government security personnel to prevent their entry into the summit proceedings. 


"The regrettable incident establishes a dangerous precedent for future summits and reflects poorly on Ethiopia's reliability as a host and its commitment to upholding the values of the African Union" the tweet by Somali State House added.


It is crucial to note that in New York, which hosts the United Nations headquarters, all countries and leaders are exempt from interference, ensuring that the responsibility for addressing such matters lies squarely with the UN. This principle of diplomatic immunity also apply within the African Union, raising questions about the extent of Ethiopia's dominance within the organization to behave in such a manner.


However, this brazen display of aggression served to expose Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's true intentions and Ethiopia's domineering behavior to the 54 African heads of states present at the meeting, garnering widespread attention and condemnation.


This blatant attempt to silence the Somali president was not only a violation of diplomatic protocol but also a testament to Ethiopia's desperation to maintain its grip on the narrative but not only did it embarrass itself, but broke that of the African Union charter.


Fortunately, this brazen maneuver has backfired spectacularly on Abiy Ahmed, and the President of Somalia, in a press statement, instructed the African Union remains steadfast in its commitment to impartiality and neutrality. The attempted blockade of President Mohamud of Somalia has only served to amplify the anger and frustration of the Somali people, further galvanizing their opposition to Ethiopia's illegal actions.


In light of recent events showcasing the need for impartiality and independence within the African Union, the question arises: Is it time for the AU to consider relocating to a new country? The incident involving President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the AU meeting underscores the importance of ensuring that the AU operates free from undue influence and intimidation. 


As the AU reflects on its future and the challenges ahead, the question of relocation warrants careful consideration to uphold the principles of neutrality, inclusivity, and respect for national sovereignty.


It is now abundantly clear that Ethiopia's misguided attempts to impose its will on Somalia will only serve to strengthen Somali unity and resolve.


In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's courageous stance against Ethiopia's provocations has not only earned him the admiration of his fellow Somalis but has also underscored the resilience and determination of the Somali people in the face of adversity. 


As the world watches, Somalia stands united in its rejection of Ethiopia's illegal maneuvers, reaffirming its commitment to sovereignty, stability, and peace in the region.


Mohamed Hassan - @MoHassanM_


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