The Somali Federal Government has reportedly summoned Ethiopia Ambassador to Somalia, Suleiman Dedefo, for questioning over recent remarks that sparked widespread controversy.
According to local media reports, Ambassador Dedefo will be asked to clarify comments he made regarding the role of Egyptian troops recently deployed under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Ethiopian Criticism of Egypt’s Role
Ethiopia Ambassador has repeatedly taken to his X (formerly Twitter) account to criticize the Egyptian government, while praising Addis Ababa’s stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute with Cairo.
In his latest statements, Dedefo questioned whether Egyptian forces would make any meaningful contribution to Somalia’s stability.
He argued that:
- Cairo has failed to play a constructive role in regional conflicts, citing Sudan and Libya as examples.
- The Egyptian army lacks a track record in international peacekeeping.
- The deployment could present political and strategic challenges to Ethiopian forces already stationed in Somalia.
Ethiopia Ambassador: “Ethiopia is Fully Capable of Defending its Interests.”
Despite these criticisms, the ambassador also stressed that Ethiopia is not worried about Egypt’s presence, saying his country is fully capable of defending its interests.
He acknowledged, however, that Somalia has the sovereign right to host forces from any friendly nation.
Egypt and Ethiopia’s Rivalry Spills Into Somalia
The diplomatic row comes against the backdrop of a long-running Nile water dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia.
The two nations now find themselves as uneasy partners in AUSSOM.
Recently, the first contingent of Egyptian troops completed their training and are preparing to begin peacekeeping operations in Somalia.
Regional Implications
The summoning of Ethiopia Ambassador reflects Somalia’s effort to manage rising tensions between two powerful African neighbors on its soil.
Analysts warn that the rivalry between Cairo and Addis Ababa could complicate peacekeeping operations in Somalia, where security challenges remain acute.
