Cairo, Egypt – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Egypt on Sunday for high-level discussions with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, amid growing regional focus on water security and diplomatic alliances in the Horn of Africa. While the Somali presidency – The Villa Somalia – has not yet released an official statement detailing the purpose of the trip, diplomatic sources suggest that the talks are likely to touch on bilateral ties, regional stability, and transboundary water issues.
The visit comes at a critical juncture, with reports indicating that President Mohamud also intends to travel to Ethiopia in the coming days to attend the formal launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The massive hydroelectric dam, situated on the Blue Nile, has long been a source of tension between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan due to concerns over downstream water access and environmental impact.
Egypt has consistently expressed apprehension over the GERD, viewing it as a potential threat to its water security. The dam’s activation, especially without a legally binding agreement on Nile water usage, has been a flashpoint in Cairo’s foreign policy agenda.
President Mohamud’s potential appearance at the GERD ceremony in Ethiopia could place Somalia in a delicate diplomatic position, as it navigates relations with two key allies that hold opposing views on the dam project. Somalia and Egypt have historically maintained strong bilateral ties, and both nations have voiced support for each other on matters of sovereignty and regional cooperation.
Analysts believe the Somali leader’s meetings in Cairo are crucial for reaffirming diplomatic coordination and avoiding potential misunderstandings ahead of any engagement with Addis Ababa regarding the GERD.
As of Sunday evening, no details have been officially confirmed about the president’s itinerary in Ethiopia or the GERD ceremony. The Somali government is expected to clarify its position and provide updates on the president’s regional engagements in the coming days.