In addition to his visit to Ethiopia, Mohamud will also travel to Kampala on the same day to meet Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, with discussions set to focus on the operations of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). 

The key topic of conversation between Mohamud and Abiy will be the ongoing dispute over a sea access agreement that Abiy signed with the breakaway region of Somaliland. This deal has sparked strong opposition from Mogadishu, significantly heightening tensions between the two neighboring countries. A further point of contention is the involvement of Ethiopian forces in AUSSOM, an engagement initially rejected by Somalia but later accepted. 

Previously, the two governments reached an initial accord in Ankara, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In this agreement, both sides pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and continue negotiations to resolve their differences. These upcoming talks are expected to build on that foundation, potentially resulting in a formal agreement granting Ethiopia access to Somalia’s coast and allowing Ethiopian troops to play a crucial role in AUSSOM. In return, Mohamud is likely to seek Ethiopia’s support in exerting pressure on Somali regional leaders, including those from Jubaland and Puntland, with whom he has significant political disagreements. 

The timing of this diplomatic visit coincides with an anticipated trip by Turkish President Erdogan to both Somalia and Ethiopia. It is speculated that Erdogan is actively encouraging the resolution of this dispute before his arrival in the Horn of Africa. However, the forthcoming talks have sparked controversy, particularly on Somali social media, where many citizens—including politicians and analysts—have expressed deep concerns. Critics argue that Mohamud’s decision to engage in talks with Ethiopia comes despite his previous assertions that Ethiopia seeks to annex Somalia’s coast by force, with no meaningful concessions from Ethiopia. 

Abdirashid Hashi, former director of the Heritage Institute in Somalia, voiced his skepticism, warning that Abiy’s intentions remain focused on undermining Somalia’s sovereignty.  

"Abiy and his deep state know how to manipulate and push their interests. They’re creating a wedge between you and your people, setting you up for betrayal once they have you exposed,” Hashi wrote on X. 

He also questioned the potential consequences of Mohamud’s approach, urging the president to consider the strong alliances Somalia has built with nations such as Egypt, Djibouti, and Eritrea, all of which have risked their relationships with Ethiopia to support Somalia.  

"Somalia has built strong allies like Egypt, Djibouti, and Eritrea, who stuck their necks out for Somalia and for you as a leader. They risked and strained their relationships with Ethiopia and Abiy’s enablers—those who wish ill for Somalia. Are you throwing that all away too?” he questioned. 

Hashi, who has supported Mohamud publicly since his re-election, urged the president to redirect his efforts towards resolving internal disputes with regional states such as Puntland and Jubaland, as well as addressing tensions with opposition politicians in Mogadishu. He warned that if Abiy seeks to pressure or engage in conflict with these regional states on Mohamud’s behalf, it could have dire consequences for Somalia and the president’s political future.