Hiiraan Online

The Facts

Photos from the visit demonstrate that President Mohamud was greeted by Ethiopia’s Presidential Honor Guard, a ceremonial unit responsible for hosting dignitaries during state events. The Honor Guard's uniforms feature white and beige designs with red and gold accents, distinct from Ethiopia’s naval uniforms.

For comparison:

• Presidential Honor Guard: The Presidential Honor Guard's uniforms are characterized by traditional designs and vibrant colors that hold symbolic significance, often incorporating cultural motifs and patterns reflecting Ethiopia’s heritage. Images from the event show President Mohamud inspecting troops in these ceremonial uniforms, which are also seen in photos of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Addis Ababa. Ethiopia has a longstanding tradition of ceremonial guards, dating back to the early 20th century with the establishment of the Kebur Zabagna (Imperial Guard), responsible for protecting the Emperor and performing ceremonial duties.
  
  
  
  
• Ethiopian Navy: The Navy’s uniforms, re-established in 2019, consist of a white maritime design paired with navy-blue accents and maritime insignia. Photos of naval personnel, including during military operations, confirm this distinct attire.
  
  

The Confusion

The misinterpretation likely stems from the Honor Guard’s ceremonial white uniforms being mistakenly identified as naval attire. However, Ethiopia’s Honor Guard is a land-based ceremonial unit, while the Navy operates independently, focusing on maritime security and regional operations.

Prominent posts suggested that the inspection was a symbolic gesture tied to Ethiopia’s broader maritime ambitions, sparking widespread debate online.

Important Context

During his visit, President Mohamud inspected Ethiopia’s Presidential Honor Guard, a ceremonial unit responsible for hosting dignitaries during official state visits. Photographs from the event show the Honor Guard in their traditional uniforms, which are distinct from the Ethiopian Navy’s attire. This ceremonial protocol aligns with Ethiopia’s standard practice for welcoming foreign heads of state.

Ethiopia’s ceremonial welcome of President Mohamud aligns with standard diplomatic protocol and mirrors receptions for other visiting dignitaries, including leaders from France and other nations.

Background on the Ethiopian Navy

Ethiopia’s Navy was re-established in 2019, decades after it was dissolved following Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Now headquartered in Bahir Dar, near Lake Tana, with planned operational bases in Djibouti, the Navy aims to enhance Ethiopia’s regional maritime influence despite its landlocked status.

The Navy’s uniforms—featuring white designs with navy-blue accents—are distinct from the ceremonial attire of Ethiopia’s Honor Guard. Recent developments, such as agreements with Somaliland granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, have heightened regional tensions, particularly with Somalia, which views such agreements as undermining its sovereignty.

For Somalia, Ethiopia’s growing naval ambitions pose significant geopolitical challenges. The 2024 agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which allows Ethiopia access to Red Sea ports in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s independence, has been a major point of contention.

However, the Ankara Declaration, signed in late 2024, marked a turning point in addressing these issues. Mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the declaration commits both Somalia and Ethiopia to resolving their differences through dialogue. As part of the agreement, Ethiopia affirmed its respect for Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and ensured that Ethiopia would not be able to access the coast without Mogadishu’s consent.

While the Ankara Declaration offers a framework for de-escalating tensions, Somalia remains cautious about Ethiopia’s naval ambitions. Concerns persist over Ethiopia’s plans to establish naval bases in the region, which could influence maritime security and economic dynamics, particularly in the Gulf of Aden.

The Verdict

The claim that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud inspected Ethiopia’s Navy is factually incorrect. Evidence from photographs and official records confirm that the ceremonial reception was conducted by the Presidential Honor Guard. The misidentification underscores the importance of verifying sources to prevent the spread of misinformation.