Somalia Issues Ultimatum to Suspend Ethiopian Airlines Amid Tension

MOGADISHU, Somalia —  The Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has issued a stern warning to Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, threatening to block its operations within Somali airspace. This move comes in response to a controversial deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a region that has declared independence but is not internationally recognized, except by Taiwan.

The dispute stems from an agreement signed in January where Somaliland allowed Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, to establish a naval base on its coast in exchange for a stake in Ethiopian Airlines and potential recognition of Somaliland's sovereignty. This deal also includes provisions for Ethiopia to develop a port and a transport corridor, moves that Somalia views as a direct infringement on its territorial integrity.

The SCAA's threat follows after Ethiopian Airlines was reported to have adjusted its flight information, using airport codes instead of city names to refer to destinations in Somaliland, effectively bypassing the sovereignty issue. "If these issues are not resolved by August 23, the SCAA will have no choice but to suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Somalia," stated an official from the SCAA, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) issued a warning to Ethiopian Airlines and Flydubai, stating that unless they remove mentions of "Somaliland" from their websites, they would face a ban from flying in the country's airspace.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates flights into several parts of Somalia, including Hargeisa in Somaliland, Garowe in Puntland, and Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The airline's operations in these areas have become a focal point of contention, with Somalia arguing that recognizing Somaliland in any form undermines its sovereignty.

The international community has expressed concern over the potential destabilization this dispute could cause in the Horn of Africa. The United States, among other nations, has called for de-escalation, urging respect for Somalia's sovereignty while also acknowledging Ethiopia's economic imperatives for sea access.

This standoff not only affects the airline industry but also has broader implications for regional stability, international law concerning state recognition, and the economic interests of both nations. As the deadline approaches, the world watches to see if diplomatic efforts can resolve this complex issue or if it will lead to further economic and political isolation between the two countries.

GAROWE ONLINE