On November 18, 2020, the Council hosted Dr. Mahmoud Daher Aweys, of Somali American nationality, head of the National Consultation Party, upon his request, as he stated that he intends to run for the presidential elections in his country, which are scheduled on February 2021. He added that, in light of his deep appreciation for the historical Egypt-Somalia relations, and Cairo’s well-known positive role in supporting the Somali people since independence, and for his own and his family’s constant communication with Egypt and its people for decades, he decided to inform the Egyptian side of the developments in his country and his evaluation of them, hoping to consider the possibility of activating Egypt’s role in Somalia.
The Somali guest also discussed the developments in his country since the fall of the Siad Barre regime, and the Turkish, Qatari and Ethiopian influence in the country and the agendas of each of these three countries in Somalia, as well as the complications associated with the compliance of the current President Farmaajo and his special relations with the three countries. He also presented his views regarding the chances of Somalia overcoming its crises, indicating in this regard the necessity of working with Egypt and other Arab countries to confirm the identity of Somalia and its Arab ties. He concluded his speech by expressing his preliminary perceptions of the outcomes of the upcoming general elections in the country, the absolute support that Farmaajo receives from Ethiopia, Qatar and Turkey, and Addis Ababa’s keenness to maintain the status quo in Somalia and the integration of the Ethiopian Oromo ethnicity inside Somali territories.
