The African Union has pinned its hopes on former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to mediate between Somalia and Ethopia. Somalia says it can only talk to Ethiopia after it retracts its "illegal' MOU with Somaliland, and has said it is ready for war over the issue. Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo has been deployed by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union to negotiate a de-escalation between Ethiopia and Somalia, before it develops into a full-blown war. However, Somalia said it would not take part in any discussion with Ethiopia until it retracts its 1 January agreement with Somaliland. "For that reason, there's no space for mediation unless Ethiopia retracts its illegal MOU and reaffirms Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Somalia's foreign affairs ministry said.

Source: Ethiopian News January 18, 2024 13:19 UTC