MOGADISHU — Ethiopia’s intelligence chief Redwan Hussein arrived in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Tuesday on an unannounced visit, carrying what officials described as an important message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, amid heightened regional tensions in the Horn of Africa. Redwan, head of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the presidential palace, where he delivered the message on behalf of the Ethiopian leader, Somali officials said. The Somali presidency did not immediately disclose details of the message or the outcome of the meeting. During his stay in Mogadishu, Redwan also met with Mahad Mohamed Salad, director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), holding a separate closed-door meeting at the agency’s headquarters. The surprise visit comes at a sensitive time for the Horn of Africa, as the region faces complex security and diplomatic challenges.

Source: Ethiopian News January 13, 2026 15:42 UTC