Somalia has taken a bold step in expelling the Ethiopian ambassador following a port deal dispute in the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The escalating tensions have led to the expulsion of Ambassador Mukhtar Mohamed, who was sent home for consultations by the office of Somalia’s prime minister.
The move to shut down Ethiopia’s consulates in Hargeisa and Garowe signifies Mogadishu’s firm stance on protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Foreign Minister Ali Omar emphasized Somalia’s resolve in standing up against what he described as “Ethiopian interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
The expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador and the closure of consulates demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and the diplomatic repercussions it entails.
As reports from Nairobi suggest, the decision could potentially derail efforts to peacefully resolve the port deal dispute.
The dispute stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which would grant Ethiopia access to 20km of coastline in Berbera for military and commercial purposes over a 50-year period.
Ethiopia’s plans to establish a naval base in Somaliland sparked a heated controversy, with Somalia accusing its neighbor of attempting to annex its territory. The offer of possible recognition for Somaliland in exchange for the naval base further fueled tensions in the region.
Despite Somaliland enjoying autonomy since 1991, Somalia continues to assert its territorial claim over the region. Ethiopia, on the other hand, insists that the deal is purely commercial and essential for its economic interests.
The Ethiopian government’s decision to bypass Mogadishu in reaching the agreement only worsened the situation, causing Somalia to perceive it as a “landgrab.” Additionally, Ethiopia’s engagement with officials from the Puntland region of Somalia for “bilateral cooperation” added to the escalating tension.
In response, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made it clear that his country would defend itself if Ethiopia proceeded with the deal, warning against any encroachment into Somali territory.
Former Somali President Mohamud also revealed that he felt betrayed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for not informing him about the MoU deal with Somaliland during their meeting in Djibouti.
Despite their discussions on the unity of Somalia, Mohamud expressed his disappointment in being left in the dark about such a significant agreement. He emphasized the importance of finding a win-win solution to the crisis, urging Ethiopia to take the necessary steps to mend the diplomatic rift.
Mohamud reiterated Somalia’s willingness to negotiate with Ethiopia in order to ensure their access to the sea, emphasizing the federal government’s readiness to engage in productive discussions with Addis Ababa.
The agreement has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential land grabbing and infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty.
Despite the escalating tensions and diplomatic fallout, Somalia remains resolute in defending its territorial rights and refusing to tolerate any form of external interference.
The expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador serves as a clear message that Somalia will not compromise on its sovereignty and will protect its interests at all costs.
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