Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdelh
Published on 2024-04-05 22:28:05
Somalia recently made headlines by expelling the Ethiopian ambassador, closing two Ethiopian consulates, and recalling its own ambassador due to Addis Ababa’s plan to build a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland. This move has sparked tensions and disagreements between the two neighboring countries.
Authorities in Mogadishu gave Ethiopia’s ambassador 72 hours to leave the country and also ordered the closure of Ethiopian consulates in Somaliland and Puntland. However, Ethiopia’s foreign ministry stated that they were unaware of these actions and had no information on the matter. The decision was first announced by the Somalian Prime Minister’s office citing the infringement upon Somalia’s sovereignty and internal affairs by Ethiopia.
Senior officials from Somaliland and Puntland, who are engaged in a constitutional dispute with Mogadishu, stated that they would not comply with the order to shut down the consulates. Somaliland’s deputy foreign minister emphasized that they are an independent sovereign nation and the embassy would remain open despite Mogadishu’s directive. Similarly, Puntland’s information minister asserted that Somalia’s decision to close the consulates would not be implemented.
The root of the issue lies in a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland to lease 20km of coastline for the establishment of a naval base in exchange for possible recognition of Somaliland by Ethiopia. This deal raised concerns in Somalia, especially from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who deemed it illegal and vowed to defend the country against any such actions by Ethiopia.
Moreover, tensions between Mogadishu and Puntland escalated when Puntland’s state council announced its withdrawal from the federal system of governance and its intention to govern independently. This decision was made in response to proposed changes to Somalia’s constitution, which were passed by legislators and aimed at restructuring the political and electoral framework, granting more power to the president.
The expulsion of the ambassador and the closure of consulates also raise concerns about the fate of the 3,000 Ethiopian soldiers stationed in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission against al-Shabaab militants. President Mohamud previously stated that there were no plans to expel these troops from the country.
The developments in the Horn of Africa highlight the complex dynamics between Somalia, Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Puntland. The region has been plagued by instability, including an Islamist insurgency and piracy. The recent actions taken by Somalia underscore the fragility of the political landscape in the region and the challenges facing these nations.
Overall, the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador and the closure of consulates represent a significant escalation in the tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, with potential implications for regional stability and security. With conflicting interests and unresolved disputes, the situation in the Horn of Africa remains fluid and uncertain.
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