File Photo/Somali Times
By Professor Abdiwahab Sheikh Abdisamad
Here’s a 150-word summary
Somali President Hassan Sheikh January 2025 visit to Ethiopia undermines the tripartite Asmara alliance between Eritrea, Somalia and Egypt. The alliance, formed to address regional security, Nile water management and Somali stability, now faces potential realignment. Djibouti’s President Ismaël Omar Guelleh facilitated the visit, leveraging Mohamud’s personal interests.
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Read: Who is Djibouti dictator Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife?
Guelleh’s promises include:
1. Easing Somalia-Ethiopia tensions.
2. Weakening the Asmara alliance.
3. Non-support for Somali regional states.
4. Backing Hassan Sheikh’s 2026 re-election.
Read: Who is Djibouti dictator Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife?
This shift may
Read: Who is Djibouti dictator Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife?
1. Exacerbate Egypt-Eritrea-Ethiopia tensions.
2. Spark conflict over Somali influence.
3. Destabilize regional dynamics.
Read: Who is Djibouti dictator Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife?
Hassan Sheikh’s move positions Somalia as a key regional player, potentially weakening the Asmara alliance. Guelleh’s diplomacy aims to maintain influence over Somali politics and economy.