Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Monday left the capital Mogadishu for a visit to Ethiopia, in his first trip abroad since April when an extension of his term sparked tensions and led clashes between rival army faction.
The embattled Somali President arrived in Addis Ababa where he received a green-yellow carpet treatment from the gov’t of Ethiopian PM Aby Ahmed.
He is expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Ethiopian government, months after Abiy won elections held in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s parliament confirmed Abiy as Prime Minister for a five-year term on Monday, cementing his power locally amid growing int’l pressure over his gov’t’s handling of the conflict in Tigray.
For Farmajo, Abiy is indispensable allies who has helped him in his attempt to weaken regional states and stamp his authority on key regions where he has been able to put his associates in charge.
The visit of Somalia’s President to Ethiopia coincides amid a rift between Farmajo and PM Roble over the murder of female spy officer despite int’l calls to bring an end to the political wrangling before the election.
Farmajo is expected to hold high level meeting with Ethiopian PM and other leaders who are attending the ceremony.
