Ethiopian Media faces questions after Ethiopia State Media removes article critical of President Hassan Sheikh

Ethiopia’s state-affiliated Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) has removed an article from its website that strongly criticized Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and accused him of pursuing policies contrary to Ethiopia’s strategic interests, according to reports.

The article, written by journalist Gezmu Edicha, examined Somalia’s positions on the Red Sea, the Nile and wider regional relations. It accused Hassan Sheikh of having “betrayed” Ethiopia over his approach to regional issues.

The removal of the article has raised questions over why it was published and subsequently taken down, as well as whether ENA will issue an official explanation for its publication and removal.

The development comes as Hassan Sheikh has expanded Somalia’s engagement with several countries in the region, including Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea. The Somali president has held discussions with leaders from the three countries on developments in the Horn of Africa, Red Sea security, regional relations and Nile-related issues.

Hassan Sheikh has also recently visited Ethiopia, where he held talks with Ethiopian leaders on bilateral and regional matters.

The developments come against the backdrop of rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as continuing security challenges and armed conflicts in parts of Ethiopia.

The publication and subsequent removal of the ENA article have therefore attracted attention given Somalia’s expanding diplomatic engagement with countries involved in the broader political and security dynamics of the Horn of Africa.

ENA has not, according to the report, publicly explained why the article was removed, leaving questions over whether its publication reflected an editorial decision or was subsequently withdrawn for other reasons.

Mustaqbal