Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has been on a charm offensive around the region. However, his efforts failed to have the desired effect in Somaliland.
Abiy has been trying to meditate in Somaliland to reconcile the warring parties. Mostly, he has aimed his charm at both Somaliland and Somalia, which do not see eye to eye.
This week, he was to accompany President Farmaajo of Somalia who is scheduled to visit President Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland.
The meeting was to take place in Hargesia, Somaliland. Instead, Somaliland denied the request for the three leaders to meet.
As part of his charm offensive, Somaliland had accepted PM Abiy’s apologies for the past atrocities that Somalia committed against her.