Tuesday February 20, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to address a joint parliamentary session in Mogadishu on Wednesday, with a focus expected on the diplomatic dispute with Ethiopia and the ongoing debates regarding constitutional amendments.
During Tuesday's parliamentary session, the Speaker of the People's Assembly, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, confirmed President Mohamud's appearance before both houses of parliament to discuss the general situation in the country.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to inform you that tomorrow, you must attend an extraordinary meeting called by the president, as per the constitution's provision allowing him to convene both houses at any time. The president will address the latest developments in the meeting. Therefore, please ensure your timely attendance, given the current situation in the country," stated Speaker Adan Madobe.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia escalated over the weekend following allegations that Ethiopian security forces attempted to prevent Somalia's president from attending the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. However, the Ethiopian government has denied these allegations from the Somali government.
Speaking to journalists before cutting short his trip, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the actions of the Ethiopian forces were part of a grand scheme by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to annex part of Somalia.
"This morning when I prepared myself to attend the summit's closing session, the Ethiopian security blocked my way," Mohamud said Saturday, adding that he wasn't allowed "to come out of the hotel and go on with my cars and entourage."
The Somali president eventually gained access to the meeting, entering with the security team of Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh.