Al-calamayn (Dawan Africa) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in Al-calamayn, Egypt, for a working visit at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The visit, which began on Sunday, 7th July, 2025, comes at a time of rising regional tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
According to a statement from Villa Somalia, President Hassan is expected to hold high-level talks in Al-calamayn focused on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in security, education, economic cooperation, and regional diplomacy.
“The President expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and national hospitality extended by the Government of Egypt to the Somali delegation, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations,” the Somali Presidency said.
The visit coincides with renewed Egyptian criticism of Ethiopia's handling of the GERD project, which Addis Ababa recently declared complete. Egypt has long opposed the dam, arguing it threatens its share of Nile waters — a lifeline for its population of over 100 million.
GERD, situated on the Blue Nile near Sudan’s border, is designed to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity and represents a cornerstone of Ethiopia's development ambitions. However, it remains a major source of regional tension.
Observers view President Hassan’s visit in the context of evolving alliances in the Horn of Africa, particularly after Ethiopia signed a controversial maritime deal with Somaliland last year. While recent mediation efforts by Turkey have eased some tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, diplomatic dynamics remain sensitive.
