Somalia turns away "unauthorised" Ethiopian airlines plane

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somalia Civil Aviation Authority turned away an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft from the country's airspace on Wednesday, state media confirmed, an incident which comes amid rising tensions between the two friendly nations.

Ethiopia and Somalia were due to meet on Thursday in Uganda following a controversial deal signed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland regional leader Muse Bihi Abdi. Already, Ethiopia has reportedly declined to participate in the meeting.

According to the Somalia government, the aviation team ordered “unscheduled” Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH8372 to “avoid” Somalia airspace. The country insists that flights must obtain required clearances before using Somalia’s airspace.

"Today, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority took action to turn back an Ethiopian Airlines plane, Dash 8-Q400, flight number ET8372, from Somali airspace as it was found to be unauthorized," read the message.

"Adhering to international air rules and our rules, flights must obtain proper permission before entering airspace. The Authority emphasizes that unlicensed aircraft will not be allowed to enter the country's airspace, prioritizing order and cooperation with global counterparts."

The “suspension” has been lifted after the “unscheduled” flight was turned away, a source had said. The plane, which was suspected to be carrying military officials from Ethiopia, returned to Addis Ababa moments before landing at Egal International Airport in Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia.

Ethiopia and Somaliland signed an MoU on Jan 1 which leases 20km of sea to Ethiopia for 50 years in return for recognition, according to Somaliland officials. Both defended the MoU but Somalia insists that the deal violates the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Djibouti President Omar Guelleh had summoned member states of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for an Extraordinary summit on Thursday, but Ethiopia has since withdrawn, citing timelines. It is now clear whether the meeting will go on tomorrow.

GAROWE ONLINE