In a bold and defiant move, Ethiopia has decided that its embassy in Somaliland will remain open, despite a closure order issued by Somalia. This diplomatic standoff between the two African nations has raised questions about the complexities of regional politics and the implications of such actions.
Somalia recently ordered Ethiopia to shut down its embassy in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. This move has escalated tensions in the region, as Ethiopia has openly defied the closure order, citing its strong relationship with Somaliland.
The decision by Ethiopia to keep its embassy in Somaliland open sends a powerful message about the importance of sovereignty, diplomacy, and regional partnerships. As the situation continues to unfold, it highlights the intricate dynamics at play in the Horn of Africa and the strategic interests of the nations involved.
The order came as a result of escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia due to a deal signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland allowing the landlocked country to access the sea by leasing 20 kilometers of the Somaliland coast for 50 years. In return, Ethiopia would give Somaliland formal recognition.
Somalia has vehemently opposed the deal, branding it illegal and a violation of its sovereignty. This has led to the recent order to close the Ethiopian embassy in Somaliland and its consulate in Puntland within seven days. The Ethiopian government did not comply with this order, and the embassy remains open and operational.
Somaliland’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Rhoda Elmi, has dismissed Somalia’s demand, stating that the directive issued from Mogadishu has no bearing over the special diplomatic relationship that exists between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
“This reaffirms the Somaliland government’s earlier and clear stance that directives issued from Mogadishu have no bearing over the special diplomatic relationship that exists between Ethiopia and Somaliland,” said Ambassador Rhoda Elmi in a statement in her X account.
The minister of information, Ali Hassan Mohamed, argued that the Ethiopian mission had been operating for 30 years and that it is unwise and undiplomatic to say that the embassy of a country over which you have no control ought to be closed.
“The Ethiopian Embassy in Somaliland was not initially opened with Somalia’s permission and, as such, will not be closed,” the information minister said in a statement.
“It is unwise and equally undiplomatic to say that the embassy of a country over which you have no control over ought to be closed,” he added, noting that the Ethiopian mission had been operating for 30 years.
The independence declaration by Somaliland, a former British protectorate, remains unrecognized by the international community, leaving it poor and isolated. However, the government of Somaliland has maintained that it has the right to conduct its affairs independently of Somalia. It is worth noting that Somaliland has been peaceful and stable compared to the rest of Somalia, which has been plagued by conflict and insecurity for years.
The situation between Somalia and Ethiopia is complex, with historical and political factors at play. Ethiopia is a regional power with significant influence in the Horn of Africa, and its relationship with Somalia has been strained for decades due to territorial disputes and other issues. The recent deal with Somaliland has only added to the tensions between the two countries.
The decision by Ethiopia to keep its embassy open in Hargeisa is a clear indication of its commitment to its relationship with Somaliland. The move has also been seen as a challenge to Somalia’s authority and a rejection of its demand to close the embassy. It remains to be seen how Somalia will respond to this defiance, but it is clear that the situation is far from resolved.
However, it is important to note that the people of Somaliland have the right to conduct their affairs independently of Somalia, and this must be respected by all parties involved.
