In a major escalation of the diplomatic row between Somalia and Ethiopia, Somalia has turned away a plane transporting Ethiopian officials to the self-declared republic of Somaliland. The incident occurred as the Ethiopian officials were visiting Somaliland to discuss a deal that has sparked a huge controversy. Somalia considers Somaliland to be part of its territory and sees the agreement, signed on 1 January, as an act of aggression.
The agreement, if implemented, would allow Somaliland to lease one of its ports to Ethiopia in exchange for a stake in Ethiopian Airlines and potential recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. However, Somalia has strongly opposed the deal, calling it a violation of its territorial integrity.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) stated that flight ET8273 had broken international rules by attempting to land at Somaliland’s Hargeisa Airport without obtaining proper clearance. Somalia’s information minister, in an interview with the BBC, confirmed that the plane did not have permission to enter Somalia’s airspace.
Despite this incident, regular flights between Somalia and Ethiopia continue to operate as usual, according to the SCAA. The Ethiopian government has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has established itself as a functioning state with its own government institutions, including regular elections and a police force. However, it has not been formally recognized by any country.
By ordering the Ethiopian plane out of its airspace, Somalia is sending a strong message that it does not recognize Somaliland as an independent country. The rejection underscores the ongoing tensions and territorial disputes between Somalia and Somaliland.
The international community, including the United States and the African Union, has expressed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and called on all parties to de-escalate tensions. However, the incident further complicates the already fragile relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, two important countries in the region.
In conclusion, Somalia’s rejection of the Ethiopian plane has intensified the diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The incident highlights the ongoing territorial disputes and conflicting interests in the region. It remains to be seen how this escalating row will impact the future relations between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Somaliland.
