WDM analysis on the diplomatic incident in Addis Ababa between the Somali delegation and Ethiopian security personnel on the eve of 37th Ordinary Annual Session of the AU could be deduced this way: It looks that Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy has tried to meet with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to discuss on issues of tension in relations between the two countries, including the recent Ethiopia’s infamous MOU with Northwest Administration of Somalia (Somaliland) under the mediation of Ismail Omar Ghuelleh. It seems that Abiy was annoyed by Mohamud’s outright rejection to discuss them with Abiy, and most probably has ordered his security services to restrict the movements of Somali delegation, preventing them from engaging in diplomatic interactions with other AU leaders. On the top of this diplomatic breach by Ethiopia, the Somali delegation, because of the deteriorating relations with the host country, has declined the services of Ethiopian VIP Security Protection, and opted for using their own accompanying Somali personnel instead. That too further infuriated the Ethiopians.

Such diplomatic restrictions sometimes occur when a host nation receives a delegation from a hostile foreign power or one they have war with. This incident isn’t unique. Americans restrict Cuban, North Korean and Iranian delegations in New York City all the time at UN General Assembly sessions.

In this case, what has happened afterwards was explained adequately by the Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, himself.

Postscript.

While item No 5 of AU 37th Ordinary Annual Session states in its resolutions on February 17-18th the following:

5. EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN over the ongoing tension between the Federal
   Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia, following the
   signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and the northern
   region of Somalia (Somaliland) on 1 January 2024 and its impact on peace, security
   and stability of the region; REAFFIRMS its strong commitment and support for
   preserving the unity, territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all Member
   States, including those of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic
   Republic of Ethiopia; and therefore, CALLS ON the two countries to de-escalate and
   engage in meaningful dialogue towards finding a peaceful resolution of the matter.[Note the bold text with the insertion of Ethiopian name indicates Ethiopian influence in drafting the resolution].

[This post was edited after posting].