Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Addis Ababa on Sunday to take part in the Africa Climate Summit, a high-level gathering bringing together leaders from across the continent to address the growing threats of climate change.
The summit focuses on Africa’s collective response to climate shocks, renewable energy, and adaptation financing. For Somalia, one of the countries hardest hit by droughts and floods, the event provides a platform to push for greater international support in building resilience and securing funding for recovery programs.
Regional media also reported that President Hassan Sheikh may attend the inauguration ceremony of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is scheduled to coincide with the summit. The project, the largest hydropower plant in Africa, has long been a source of tension between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan.
While Mogadishu has not confirmed the president’s participation in the inauguration, his possible attendance could carry diplomatic weight. Egypt, a close ally of Somalia, remains wary of the GERD project, while Ethiopia continues to frame it as a cornerstone of regional development and energy security.
Somali diplomatic officials have described the president’s visit as primarily climate-focused, stressing that the country’s priorities remain aligned with addressing the urgent environmental crises affecting millions of Somalis. However, they did not rule out his presence at the dam inauguration, noting that it could serve as part of broader regional engagement efforts.
The visit underscores the delicate balancing act Somalia faces as it seeks to strengthen cooperation with both Ethiopia and Egypt, while also advancing its climate and development agenda on the international stage.