Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on the sidelines of the Africa Business Forum in Al-Alamein, Egypt. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly in economic ties, investment, and development partnerships between Somalia and Egypt. This development occurs as tensions rise across the Horn of Africa, involving Ethiopia and its neighbours.
The tensions in the Horn of Africa have been escalated by Ethiopia's recent severance of diplomatic relations with Eritrea. Ethiopia has accused Egypt and Sudan of supporting armed groups fighting in the country’s north, allegations that Cairo and Khartoum have rejected. Furthermore, fighting has resumed in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, heightening concerns over a potential widening of the conflict.
Ethiopian government forces recently retook control of Alula Aba Nega International Airport in Mekelle after Tigrayan forces withdrew from parts of the regional capital. The African Union has urged all parties to avoid actions or statements that could further escalate tensions and has called for disputes to be addressed through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
The developments have placed Somalia’s relationship with both Egypt and Ethiopia under close regional scrutiny. Mogadishu maintains ties with Cairo and Addis Ababa while seeking to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries on security, economic development, and regional stability.
Hassan Sheikh is in Al-Alamein to attend high-level events focused on African economic cooperation, investment, and development. The Africa Business Forum, being held from October 2 to 4, brings together African heads of state, government officials, and business representatives. The Somali president’s participation reflects Mogadishu’s efforts to expand economic partnerships and attract investment while strengthening its engagement with other African governments.
Egypt has maintained close political and security ties with Somalia and has repeatedly affirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Cairo has also backed the strengthening of Somali state institutions and cooperation on regional security.
For Somalia, the developments in the Horn of Africa are particularly significant because of its strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea approaches. The region has become increasingly important amid disputes over maritime access, security, and competing regional alliances.
Key points
- The meeting between Hassan Sheikh and Sisi occurs as African leaders seek to strengthen cooperation while diplomatic tensions and renewed fighting in the Horn of Africa raise concerns over regional stability.
