In a diplomatic maneuver, Kenya’s President William Ruto has stepped up efforts to ease tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, motivated by shared business interests in both countries.
Starting this week, both Addis Ababa and Mogadishu are anticipated to tone down their public exchanges against each other, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions.
President Ruto hosted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Nairobi, where discussions primarily focused on security and economic issues in the Horn of Africa.
A dispatch following the meeting at State House, Nairobi, stated, “The two leaders explored ways to enhance their close partnership across various areas, emphasizing the development of bilateral economic and security ties for the mutual benefit of Somalia and Kenya.”
Diplomatic sources revealed that Kenya aims to prevent the public escalation of the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, which emerged in January over an MoU granting Ethiopia sea access through Somaliland. Despite previous attempts at mediation, the consensus now is to avoid public discussions and continue engagement in future meetings.
President Ruto’s commitment to resolution was evident in his meeting with Abiy, where they agreed to respect sovereignty and territorial boundaries in the region, as indicated in a joint communique. The leaders affirmed their commitment to peace, security, and stability within the continent.
