Mortars were fired toward the airport in Mogadishu amid Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was present at the airport during the incident. The city is under a strict security lockdown, and discussions between the two leaders will focus on bilateral relations, including security and trade. This visit follows the Ankara Declaration which ended a year-long standoff between Ethiopia and Somalia.
On the occasion of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, several mortars were reportedly fired in the direction of the airport. The incident occurred while Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was at the airport’s VIP area, awaiting the Prime Minister’s arrival. Local media sources indicate that the city is under strict lockdown, aimed at ensuring heightened security during this official visit.
A security official, who chose to remain anonymous due to media restrictions, confirmed to Anadolu Agency that some mortars struck near Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. However, the official did not clarify whether there were any casualties resulting from this incident. This event coincided with Mr. Abiy’s arrival, highlighting the context of security concerns within the region.
Prime Ministers Ahmed and Mohamud are scheduled to engage in discussions concerning various bilateral matters, primarily focusing on security cooperation, trade relations, and enhancing the diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. Their meeting follows the Ankara Declaration, which concluded a prolonged standoff between the two neighboring countries. This declaration was established in December during negotiations facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
In summary, the mortar attack in Mogadishu during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit underscores the security challenges faced by the city. With a strict lockdown in place, officials aim to maintain order as the two leaders discuss essential issues related to their countries’ cooperation. The circumstances surrounding the visit demonstrate the complexities of regional relations in East Africa, particularly in relation to security and diplomacy.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
