In an interview with Al Arabiya/Al Hadath, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud focused on the Nile dispute.
He described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a “mega-project with sweeping implications for the entire Horn of Africa and beyond.”
He stressed that Somalia’s ties with Ethiopia will not undermine its strategic partnership with Egypt, highlighting Cairo’s steady support for Somalia through military training and logistical aid.
Rejecting Regional Rumors and Embracing Dialogue
Responding to speculation of rising tensions, President Mohamud dismissed talk of an impending war between Eritrea and Ethiopia as “baseless rumors.”
Instead, he framed Somalia’s diplomacy as a model of constructive engagement at a time when misinformation can inflame fragile situations.
Strengthening Historic Ties With Saudi Arabia
The President also underlined Somalia’s “centuries-old relationship” with Saudi Arabia, describing it as a cornerstone of regional cooperation.
Mogadishu aims to deepen this partnership, positioning itself as a bridge between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.
GERD: A Continental Flashpoint
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated GERD last week after nearly 14 years of construction. The project has reignited disputes with Egypt and Sudan over Nile water rights.
Cairo insists on adherence to international law and has warned it will take all necessary measures under the UN Charter to protect its “existential” water interests.
Egyptian officials argue that negotiations faltered due to Ethiopia’s refusal to accept binding technical and legal safeguards.
Somalia’s Emerging Role as a Regional Stabilizer in the Nile Dispute
By openly acknowledging GERD’s regional impact while maintaining balanced relations with all sides, Somalia is quietly carving out a role as a stabilizing actor.
President Mohamud’s remarks point to a more proactive Somali foreign policy—one that leverages historic ties with Saudi Arabia, strategic cooperation with Egypt, and pragmatic engagement with Ethiopia to reduce tensions across the Horn of Africa.
Why This Matters
Water security is becoming a central driver of politics in the Horn and the Arab world.
Somalia’s ability to speak with multiple partners positions it to influence negotiations and prevent the kind of zero-sum competition that can destabilize the region.
As climate pressures intensify and populations grow, Mogadishu’s diplomatic balancing act may prove crucial for ensuring both stability and shared prosperity.
