Somali President Hassan Sheikh to address joint parliamentary sitting

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will address a joint parliamentary session in Mogadishu on Wednesday, focusing on the diplomatic dispute with Ethiopia and debates surrounding constitutional amendments.

Hassan is also expected to make a major announcement regarding a special defence agreement with Turkey aimed at reinforcing Somalia's maritime security.

Ahead of the presidential address, Somali Minister of Information Daud Aweis announced that the Cabinet had already endorsed the defence collaboration with Turkey, which has committed to train and equip the Somali Navy.

"The 10-year pact will significantly bolster the Somalia government's endeavours to safeguard its sovereignty," Daud said.

Mogadishu and Ankara signed the cooperation agreement on February 8, 2024, to enhance bilateral relations and the stability of the region.

The agreement involves enforcing Somalia's sovereignty in key maritime regions, including the Western Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea.

During Tuesday's parliamentary session, Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe confirmed the President's appearance before members of both houses and urged timeliness.

Since 2017, Ankara has maintained a military base in Mogadishu, which is the largest overseas army installation. The base solidifies Turkey's ties with the strategic nation and establishes its presence in East Africa.

On a momentous occasion, the cabinet has endorsed a defense collaboration pact between Somalia and the esteemed Rep. of #Turkey, a NATO member and close ally. This landmark 10-year pact will significantly bolster the #Somalia govt’s endeavors to safeguard its sovereignty. 🇸🇴🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/cCt7FbzSNn

— Daud Aweis (@DaudAweis) February 21, 2024

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Horn of Africa country in 2011. His country has built schools, hospitals and roads in Somalia and continues to send humanitarian aid.

Ethiopia Tensions

President Hassan's address comes amid tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, triggered by Ethiopia's controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Ethiopia is seeking sea access for commercial maritime services and a military base while Somaliland wants recognition as an independent state and a stake in Ethiopian Airlines.

Following the heightened tensions, Somalia last week called for a review of the decision to have the AU's headquarters in Ethiopia.

During the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), Somalia also condemned Ethiopia's "provocative attempt" to block the Somali President's delegation from attending the summit.

"The action breaches all diplomatic and international protocols and, most critically, the established traditions of the African Union," Somalia's Foreign ministry said in a statement on February 17, 2024.

Mogadishu asserted that since Ethiopia hosts the AU headquarters, its leadership and government are obligated to treat all African leaders equally.

The statement added; "Hosting the AU is both an honour and a privilege for Ethiopia. However, if its government fails to uphold this honour and responsibility with the necessary decorum, it may be necessary for the African Union to reevaluate the location of its headquarters."

Somalia's UNSC endorsement

Meanwhile, the AU Executive Council has officially endorsed Somalia as the sole candidate from the Eastern Africa region for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2025-2026 term.

Somalia's acting Foreign minister Ali Omar announced this last Thursday, terming it a "historic step forward" for Somalia.

Mogadishu is bidding for this position to be filled by a country from the Eastern Africa region. There is only one seat available for Africa in this term.

The endorsement by the AU Executive Council signifies consensus from the entire Eastern region and the continent that Somalia will represent Africa at the UNSC next year.

The 2024 UNSC election will take place in mid-2024 during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The election will fill five non-permanent UNSC seats, each with a two-year mandate beginning January 1, 2025.