Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis standard1
Published on 2024-04-04 10:40:46
Ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware has been asked to return to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, for consultations by the government of Somalia. This decision was made amidst rising tensions over a port deal, leading to the closure of Ethiopia’s consulate offices in Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland, and in the semi-autonomous Puntland state. Reuters reported on the development, stating that Somalia sent back the Ethiopian ambassador and closed the consulates due to the escalating conflict.
It is worth noting that the closure of the consulate offices in Somaliland and Puntland may not be easily enforced by Mogadishu, as Ambassador Muktar has not yet been officially informed about the decision. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Somalia has not issued an official statement on the matter, leaving the status of Ambassador Muktar in question.
The strained diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia reached a new low after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1. This MoU granted Ethiopia access to the sea for a leased military base in exchange for recognition of Somaliland, a move that Somalia vehemently opposed, citing violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Several countries expressed support for Somalia’s stance on the matter, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite the initial tensions, news of diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflict has emerged, providing a glimmer of hope for de-escalation.
In the midst of these developments, Ambassador Mesganu Arga of Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed a delegation from Puntland led by the Minister of Finance to explore opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects. This meeting, perceived as provocative by some, came shortly after Puntland announced the withdrawal of its recognition of the federal government of Somalia and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Puntland’s engagement with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) to address security challenges, including the presence of terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, underscores the complexity of the regional dynamics. Discussions on security cooperation and countering terrorism have taken place between Puntland officials and Ethiopian counterparts, emphasizing the importance of a unified plan for stability and security in the region.
Overall, the situation reflects the intricate web of political and security considerations that shape the relations between Ethiopia, Somalia, and the various regions within Somalia. As diplomatic efforts continue, the hope is for a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and collaboration for the mutual benefit of all parties involved.
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