Ethiopia’s Intelligence Chief Visits Somalia Amid Regional Tensions

Unannounced trip comes as disputes over Somaliland and regional politics raise concerns in the Horn of Africa. Redwan Hussein, the intelligence chief of Ethiopia, made an unexpected visit to Somalia where he met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the presidential palace, Villa Somalia. He reportedly delivered a message from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, though the details were not revealed. During the visit, Hussein also held talks with Mahad Salad, head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency. Neither government officially commented on the discussions. The visit comes during rising tensions in the Horn of Africa after Israel announced it would recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been widely recognized internationally. Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have also been strained since Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland in 2024 to use the port of Port of Berbera. Somalia accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty. Later, Türkiye mediated talks between the two countries, resulting in the Ankara Declaration, which aims to allow Ethiopia access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. Source:Newstimehub HornOfAfrica Somalia Ethiopia Somaliland RegionalPolitics