Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has stated that his country will not take sides in the ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. In an interview with Sky News on October 30, 2026, the president emphasized that Mogadishu maintains good relations with both governments and has no intention of getting involved in their disputes. He stressed that Somalia's foreign policy is based on peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and cooperation with neighboring countries.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Somalia's broader foreign-policy principle as being at peace with itself and with the rest of the world. He added that Mogadishu does not seek to become involved in conflicts between other states. The president's comments come amid renewed diplomatic and political tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, prompting concerns over the potential impact on security and stability across the Horn of Africa.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated amid disagreements over regional security and competing political interests. The two countries fought a devastating border war from 1998 to 2000 before restoring diplomatic relations in 2018. However, their relationship has since faced renewed strains over developments in the region. Somalia maintains diplomatic relations with both Ethiopia and Eritrea and has repeatedly emphasized dialogue and regional cooperation as ways of addressing disputes.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's latest remarks reinforce Mogadishu's stated policy of avoiding involvement in the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute while maintaining working relations with both governments. He said Somalia would continue to prioritize peaceful relations and cooperation as part of wider efforts to support stability in the Horn of Africa. This stance is in line with Somalia's long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have raised concerns about the potential impact on security and stability in the Horn of Africa. Somalia's decision not to take sides in the dispute is seen as a positive step towards maintaining regional stability. By maintaining good relations with both countries, Somalia is promoting a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing the tensions.
Somalia's foreign policy is guided by the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and cooperation with neighboring countries. The country's priority is to maintain stability at home and foster constructive relations with other countries. This approach has enabled Somalia to maintain good relations with both Ethiopia and Eritrea, despite the ongoing tensions between them.
In conclusion, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reaffirmed his country's commitment to not taking sides in the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute. By maintaining good relations with both governments and prioritizing peaceful relations and cooperation, Somalia is promoting a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing the tensions. This stance is in line with Somalia's long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation.
Key points
- Somalia will not take sides in the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute.
- Somalia maintains good relations with both Ethiopia and Eritrea.
- Somalia's foreign policy is based on peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and cooperation with neighboring countries.
