The Ethiopian Government and host of the ongoing African Union Summit in Addis Ababa has disclosed the reason why Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was denied access to the venue of the event.
The Somalian leader told reporters on Saturday that he was first restrained from leaving his hotel room for the event, and later denied entry into the summit venue.
“This morning when I prepared myself to come and attend the closed session of the summit, the Ethiopian security blocked my way,” President Mohamud said.
“A soldier with a gun stood in front of us and denied us access to this facility.”
Clarifying the incident, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s spokeswoman, Billene Seyoum, explained that the Somalian president was accorded the usual respect but disregarded the security forces at the venue.
She said the Somali delegation attempted to enter the AU summit with weapons, which was blocked off by security.
“As host country, the government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all heads of state and government while in the country,” Seyoum stated.
“The Somali delegation security attempted to enter the AUC [African Union Commission] premises with weapons, which was blocked off by AUC security.”
The Somali government had issued a statement to condemn its treatment it called an “outrageous conduct” at the AU Summit.
“Given that Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, its leadership and government have an obligation to treat all African leaders equally,” it said.
“Hosting the AU is both an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia; however, if its government fails to uphold this honor and responsibility with the necessary decorum, it may be necessary for the African Union to reevaluate the location of its headquarters.
“While we denounce Ethiopia’s unwarranted action, we also call upon the AU to urgently conduct a credible and independent investigation to this outrageous conduct in line with the protocols of the union,” the statement read.
Ethiopia-Somalia tensions have been ongoing due to the controversial maritime pact signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January.
It can be recalled that the Somaliland defence minister Abdiqani Mohamoud Ateye tendered his resignation in January to protest against the sea port deal signed with Ethiopia.
The agreement will grant Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s seaport located in its separated Somalia region.
Ateye criticised Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi Abdi for the lack of consultation with the country’s council of ministers before going ahead with the Ethiopia sea port deal.