During the visit, President Mohamud met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Delegations from Djibouti and Kenya were also present for the inauguration of a large tourism complex designed to attract visitors and generate revenue for the Somali region of Ethiopia. The omission is notable given President Mohamud’s comments in 2024, when he said Ethiopia occupies territory that is part of Somalia, referring to the Somali region now incorporated into Ethiopia’s national map. The omission is also interpreted as a warning that Somalia could revisit its longstanding position on the Somali Region should Ethiopia move towards recognising Somaliland. Israel has already taken steps in that direction, while Ethiopia has largely remained silent as countries across the region condemned the move.

Source: Ethiopian News January 31, 2026 14:20 UTC