Faith Nyasuguta
An Ethiopian Airlines flight, reportedly carrying a high-level Ethiopian delegation headed to the capital of the breakaway Somaliland, Hargeisa, faced a significant setback as Somali authorities denied it access to the country’s airspace.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority cited a lack of proper permission and ordered the immediate return of the Ethiopian flight.
This aviation incident unfolds amid a broader diplomatic dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, escalating tensions following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on January 1.
The agreement between Ethiopia and the separatist Somaliland, which declared autonomy in 1991 but lacks international recognition, has raised concerns at the international level.
Under the MoU, Somaliland has agreed to lease 20 kilometers of its coastline to landlocked Ethiopia for 50 years. The strategic deal aims to grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, facilitating the establishment of a naval base and a commercial port.
While this provides Ethiopia with a key maritime link, it has sparked national security concerns from the United States and raised eyebrows internationally.
Washington, expressing its apprehensions, has emphasized the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The U.S. administration has identified national security concerns linked to the agreement, given its potential geopolitical implications and the fragile nature of the region.
Moreover, the United States has indicated its commitment to working with partners in the region, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc, to oppose the non binding MoU.
John Kirby, the director of strategic communications for the National Security Council, stated that respecting Somalia’s sovereignty is a priority, aligning with the views expressed by the European Union, the African Union, the Arab League, and China.
China, in a separate statement, has called for the respect of Somalia’s “territorial integrity.” The maritime accord between Ethiopia and Somaliland has heightened regional tensions, bringing international attention to the complex dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
As the situation unfolds, concerns persist over the potential impact on stability and security in the region. The Ethiopian Airlines flight being denied access to Somali airspace adds a layer of complexity, reflecting the intricate political terrain and the evolving nature of diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa.
The broader implications of these events will likely shape the trajectory of regional dynamics, emphasizing the delicate balance required for diplomatic engagements in this volatile region.
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