Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis standard1
Published on 2024-04-04 13:55:34
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia recently issued an official statement confirming that Ethiopia’s Ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware has been instructed to leave Somalia within the next 72 hours. In response, Somalia has summoned back its Ambassador to Addis Ababa for comprehensive consultations.
The decision to expel the Ethiopian ambassador and recall its own ambassador to Ethiopia was taken to safeguard the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. This action was in response to unspecified actions by the government of Ethiopia that were deemed to infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty and internal affairs.
Additionally, Somalia announced the closure of the Ethiopian Consulates General in Hargeisa and Garowe, the capitals of Somaliland and Puntland respectively, within seven days. This move signifies a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The root cause of the strained relations can be traced back to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1st. This MoU granted Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for a leased military base and recognition for Somaliland, a move that Somalia strongly opposed, citing violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite initial tensions, recent diplomatic efforts have been made to mediate the situation. Ambassador Mesganu Arga of Ethiopia’s State Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed a senior ministerial delegation from Puntland to explore collaborative opportunities in trade, investment, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects. This meeting, seen as provocative by many, occurred shortly after Puntland announced the withdrawal of its recognition of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the federal government of Somalia. Puntland’s decision was influenced by disagreements over constitutional amendments made by the federal government.
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have attracted attention from various countries, with many expressing support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. While the situation remains fluid, it is clear that both countries are facing significant challenges in maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations.
In conclusion, the recent actions involving the expulsion of ambassadors and the closure of consulates reflect the growing rift between Ethiopia and Somalia. As diplomatic efforts continue to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in the hope of de-escalating tensions and restoring positive relations between the two nations.
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