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Somali President to ‘Asharq Al-Awsat’ : No Talks with Sisi on War Declaration against Ethiopia

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Cairo (Photo: Abdel Fattah Farag)
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Cairo (Photo: Abdel Fattah Farag)
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Somali President to ‘Asharq Al-Awsat’ : No Talks with Sisi on War Declaration against Ethiopia

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Cairo (Photo: Abdel Fattah Farag)
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Cairo (Photo: Abdel Fattah Farag)

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat after a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, played down the possibility of a war between Egypt and Somalia against Ethiopia.
This comes after a controversial deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, giving it access to the Red Sea.
From his residence in Cairo, Mohamud discussed the situation in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea in light of the Gaza conflict, following talks with Sisi, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb.
He clarified that Somalia is not about to declare war on Ethiopia but urged Ethiopia to respect Somalia’s sovereignty.
Despite tensions in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, Mohamud sees opportunities amid the crises.
He ruled out war with Ethiopia, stating that Somalia’s focus is on fighting terrorism, particularly the extremist “Al-Shabaab” movement.
Mohamud expressed willingness to negotiate with them if they abandon Al-Qaeda’s ideology and recognize the Somali state.
Emphasizing that his country hasn’t dismissed political solutions regarding the recent developments in Ethiopia, Mohamud clarified that there's “no official war declaration, neither from Egypt nor Somalia.”
He stated that talks with Sisi didn't involve planning a war against Ethiopia.
“We haven't discussed how to wage war. Our relationship with Egypt is long-standing and supportive over time,” affirmed the president.
“No new agreements or defense pacts are needed. Both Somalia and Egypt, as Arab League members, follow an Arab approach in defending themselves,” he highlighted.
“The framework is there. Our discussions focused on improving the normal relationship between two brotherly nations, enhancing economic ties, addressing geo-political and strategic issues, and, of course, security,” explained Mohamud.
He stressed that improving relations with Egypt doesn't mean targeting any other country.
“Our discussions were in the interest of both our nations and not a threat to another country,” reiterated Mohamud.
When asked about the possibility of a military alliance against Ethiopia, he said : “Our ties with Egypt are not meant to be against any country. We aim to support Somalia in self-defense, not to threaten anyone.”
“We don't consider war lightly, and Somalia doesn't want it. We are already dealing with a significant threat from terrorists like Al-Shabaab.”
“We are not planning for war unless it becomes necessary, and we hope it doesn't,” emphasized Mohamud.
Regarding talks with Al-Shabaab, the Somali President explained, “We won't consider war if Al-Shabaab acts rationally or has a national agenda. However, they are a global terrorist group following Al-Qaeda's agenda. If they abandon that ideology and recognize Somalia, we are willing to negotiate.”
He also denied having information about countries supporting Al-Shabaab, saying, “There might be sympathizers with Al-Qaeda in various parts of the world, but Al-Shabaab raises funds locally, and we are working to stop that.”
Discussing the current situation in the Horn of Africa, Mohamud acknowledged its complexity but highlighted potential opportunities.
He noted the world’s renewed focus on Africa due to various challenges in the region, such as Houthi activity, piracy, and Ethiopia’s considerations regarding Somalia.
Mohamud emphasized the importance of a Somali state, emphasizing that it can only be achieved by the Somali people.
He mentioned past attempts by the world to establish a state in Somalia without success.
However, he expressed optimism about the Somali people creating an effective state, with global support from the African Union and international partners.
He pointed out positive developments, including the lifting of a 31-year arms embargo and the cancellation of debts.
Mohamud stated that strong and responsible state institutions are developing in Somalia, instilling global confidence in government operations.
He sees this as a sign of Somalia's resurgence, expressing great optimism that the historical issues of state fragility are nearing an end.
Despite Somalia’s richness in resources and its vital global position, past challenges like state collapse, civil war, and fragility have led to poverty. The president affirmed his belief that Somalia is now moving past these challenges and entering a new phase.

 

 

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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar stated that while the serious lifting of US sanctions on Syria could gradually yield positive results for the country’s economy, expectations must remain realistic, as rebuilding trust in the Syrian economy is essential.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Shaar described the removal of sanctions as a necessary first step toward eliminating the obstacles that have long hindered Syria’s economic recovery. Although the immediate impact will likely be limited, he noted that in the medium term, improvements in trade activity and the resumption of some banking transactions could help create a more favorable environment for investment and production.

The breakthrough came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman successfully facilitated a thaw in relations between Washington and Damascus, ultimately convincing the US president to lift sanctions on Syria. During his historic visit to Saudi Arabia last Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he would order the removal of all sanctions on Syria to “give it a chance to thrive”—a move seen as a major opportunity for the country to begin a new chapter.

Al-Shaar cautioned, however, that Syrians should not expect an immediate improvement in living standards. “We need to manage the post-sanctions phase with an open and pragmatic economic mindset,” he said, stressing that real progress will only come if sanctions relief is accompanied by meaningful economic reforms, increased transparency, and support for the business climate.

He added that Syrians will begin to feel the difference when the cost of living declines and job opportunities grow—an outcome that requires time, planning, and stability.

According to Al-Shaar, the first tangible benefits of lifting sanctions are likely to be seen in the banking and trade sectors, through facilitated financial transfers, improved access to essential goods, and lower transportation and import costs. “We may also see initial interest from investors who were previously deterred by legal restrictions,” he said. “But it’s important to emphasize that political openness alone isn’t enough—there must also be genuine economic openness from within.”

He also underscored the importance of regional support, saying that any positive role played by neighboring countries in encouraging the US to lift sanctions and normalize ties with Damascus “must be met with appreciation and cooperation.” Al-Shaar emphasized that robust intra-Arab economic relations should form a cornerstone of any reconstruction phase. “We need an economic approach that is open to the Arab world, and we could see strategic partnerships that reignite the national economy—especially through the financing of major infrastructure and development projects.”

When asked whether he expects a surge in Arab and foreign investment following the lifting of sanctions, Al-Shaar responded: “Yes, there is growing interest in investing in Syria, and several companies have already entered the market. But investors first and foremost seek legal certainty and political guarantees.” He explained that investment is not driven solely by the removal of sanctions, but by the presence of an encouraging institutional environment. “If we can enhance transparency, streamline procedures, and ensure stability, we will gradually see greater capital inflows—especially in the service, industrial, and agricultural sectors.”

As for which countries may play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, Al-Shaar said: “Countries with long-term interests in regional stability will be at the forefront of the rebuilding process. But we must first rebuild our internal foundations and develop an economic model capable of attracting partners under balanced conditions—ones that protect economic sovereignty and promote inclusive development.”

The minister concluded by stressing that lifting sanctions, while significant, is not the end of the crisis. “Rather, it may mark the beginning of a new phase—one filled with challenges,” he said. “The greatest challenge isn’t securing funding, but managing resources wisely, upholding the principles of productivity, justice, and transparency. We need a proactive—not reactive—economy. We must restore the value of work and implement policies that put people at the center of development. Only then can we say we are beginning to emerge from the bottleneck.”

Last Wednesday, Riyadh hosted a landmark meeting between the Crown Prince, Trump, and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa—marking the first meeting between a Syrian and a US president since Hafez Al-Assad met Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.

Most US sanctions on Syria were imposed after the outbreak of the country’s conflict in 2011. These targeted deposed President Bashar Al-Assad, members of his family, and various political and economic figures. In 2020, additional sanctions came into effect under the Caesar Act, targeting Assad’s inner circle and imposing severe penalties on any entity or company dealing with the Syrian regime. The Act also sanctioned Syria’s construction, oil, and gas sectors and prohibited US funding for reconstruction—while exempting humanitarian organizations operating in the country.