CIA Director William Burns made a visit to Mogadishu on Wednesday, engaging in discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Mahad Salad, the head of the Somali National Intelligence Agency.
Sources close to President Mohamud confirmed to VOA that Burns delved into various matters during the meeting, touching upon key aspects of the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The rendezvous, held at Mogadishu International Airport, encompassed topics such as “security cooperation, the fight against terrorism, and developments in the region.”
The prevailing crisis between Somalia and Ethiopia centers on a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked on New Year’s Day. This agreement entails Ethiopia leasing a 20-kilometer coastal stretch in Somaliland for a commercial port and military base. The Somali government vehemently opposes the deal, denouncing it as “aggression” and a “clear violation of sovereignty.”
On Tuesday, the White House voiced its disapproval of the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, expressing concerns about potential instability and threats to international counterterrorism efforts. John Kirby, coordinator of strategic communications for the National Security Council, voiced apprehension, stating that Ethiopia’s possible recognition of Somaliland “threatens to disrupt the fight” against al-Shabab.
Kirby underscored the administration’s discomfort with the reported contents of the agreement, emphasizing their backing for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressing the importance of mutual respect.
During his regional tour over the past two days, Director Burns visited Nairobi, where he engaged in discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto and the intelligence director.
In recent developments, US Central Command reported two missing sailors off Somalia’s coast, confirming the initiation of ongoing search and rescue operations.
