Tensions are brewing at the African Union Heads of State and Government summit in Ethiopia after Somalia accused the host nation of attempting to prevent its president from accessing the venue.
The allegations: Somalia, through a press release issued by its Foreign Affairs docket, alleged that President Hassan Mohamud's delegation was also obstructed by the security forces.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the action breaches all diplomatic and international protocols and, most critically, the established traditions of the African Union.
"Given that Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, its leadership and government have an obligation to treat all African leaders equally. Hosting the AU is both an honour and a privilege for Ethiopia," Somalia stated.
Somalia's demands: It further denounced the alleged unwarranted action and urged the AU to investigate the incident independently in line with the dictates of the union.
With differences between the two nations hitting a boiling point, Somalia alluded to escalating the tensions by demanding AU relocate its headquarters from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia if the latter "fails to uphold this honour and responsibility with the necessary decorum."
The wrangle between Somalia and Ethiopia dates back to the latter's decision to back the sovereignty of Somaliland which the former considers as an annexed territory. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed struck a deal with Somaliland to access its port at the Red Sea.
Somalia in this latest exchange with Ethiopia alleged that obstruction of its president added to the growing list of erratic actions of Abiy's administration in recent times.
Ethiopia responds: BBC journalist Wahiga Mwaura stated that Ethiopia had already responded to Somalia's allegations in an effort to de-escalate the tension which threatens to disrupt the pivotal continental summit.
In a statement to BBC, Ethiopia stated that it remains committed to cordial relations with its neighbour. However, it blamed Somalia for declining to adhere to outlined security measures.
”The Government of Ethiopia warmly welcomed the President of Somalia in full honours accorded to all Heads of State and Government arriving for the AU. As host country, the Government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all Heads of State and Government while in the country.
Cause of the tension: "Somalia delegation refused the assigned state security personnel. Moreover, the Somali delegation security attempted to enter the AUC premises with weapons which was blocked off by AUC security," Ethiopia stated.
Earlier, reports alleged that security forces with guns were reported at the Somalia president's hotel, forcing him to travel to the AU headquarters by joining another head of state's entourage.
Ruto at AU Summit: Meanwhile, President William Ruto on Friday flew to Ethiopia to join his fellow heads of state for the continental meeting and is set to address the leaders on various issues including access to education.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the Summit will provide solutions to the crisis that has left over 98 million children in Africa without access to schooling.
"The summit's theme is on building resilient education systems for Africa's 21st-century human capital," the statement read in part.
