Somalia Expels Ethiopian Ambassador Amid Diplomatic Row Over Somaliland Deal

Mogadishu, Somalia (TAE)-In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions within the Horn of Africa, the Federal Government of Somalia has declared the Ethiopian ambassador persona non grata and has mandated the closure of Ethiopia’s consulates in Hargeisa and Garowe, the capitals of the self-declared republic of Somaliland and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, respectively. This drastic step underscores the growing rift between Somalia and Ethiopia, triggered by Ethiopia's engagement with Somaliland, a territory that declared its independence from Somalia over three decades ago but has yet to receive international recognition.

The heart of the contention lies in a controversial agreement struck earlier this year, wherein land-locked Ethiopia secured a 20-kilometer strip of Somaliland's coastline with the intent of establishing a naval base. Though the agreement is presently non-binding, it signals a clear intention towards future obligations and has ignited fears of sovereignty infringement in Mogadishu, leading to accusations of Ethiopia meddling in Somalia's internal affairs.

Somalia has vehemently protested the deal, perceiving it as a direct assault on its territorial integrity and sovereignty. In response to what it deems an “act of aggression,” the Somali government has not only expelled the Ethiopian ambassador but also recalled its own ambassador from Addis Ababa for urgent discussions. Despite these actions, Ethiopia's foreign ministry, through spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla, has indicated a lack of information regarding Somalia's decisions, suggesting a communication gap amid the growing crisis.

The dispute has broader regional implications, particularly concerning peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has initiated a diplomatic offensive, reaching out to Eritrea and Egypt, both of which have historically tense relations with Ethiopia, in a bid to garner support against the port deal. Furthermore, the tension could potentially benefit the Islamist militant group al-Shabab, exploiting the discord to recruit fighters and elevate security threats in the region.

Somalia’s call for a public retraction of the port deal by Ethiopia has yet to see compliance, increasing the stakes in an already volatile situation. This standoff has not only soured relations between the two nations but also raised alarms over the potential for escalated conflict that could further destabilize an already fragile region.

The involvement of Ethiopia in the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia adds a layer of complexity to the confrontation, making armed conflict between the two countries an unlikely yet concerning prospect. With both nations playing crucial roles in the security and stability of the Horn of Africa, the international community watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic resolution to a dispute that threatens to unravel the fragile peace in the region.