
“BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Government of Somalia has closed Ethiopian consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa, and has expelled the Ethiopian ambassador in Mogadishu. The move comes as relations between the two countries are at the lowest point over Addis Ababa’s 1st Jan. 2024 sea access deal with the Somaliland region” (Garowe Online, 04.04.2024).
“Ambassador Mesganu Arga hosts #Puntland delegation to ‘enhance bilateral ties’ Ambassador Mesganu Arga, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed a senior ministerial delegation led by Puntland’s Minister of Finance, Mohammed Farah Mohammed, at his office today. During their discussions, both delegations explored “collaborative opportunities in trade, investment, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects to strengthen and expand the ties between the two regions.” The Puntland delegation underscored the “enduring and fraternal relationship” between Puntland and Ethiopia, “recognizing Ethiopia’s support and collaboration, particularly in security and education sectors.” The deligation also expressed the new government of Puntland’s aspiration to fortify its bilateral relations with Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of focusing on trade, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation” (Addis Standard, 03.04.2024).
The Ethiopia government interference and collaboration with separatists and breakaway regions of Somalia is causing further tensions between the nations. The Federal Government of Somalia has now closed the Ethiopian consulates in Garowe (Puntland) and Hargeisa (Somaliland). While also making the Ethiopian Ambassador person-non-grata. This means expelling the ambassador from the Federation. Therefore, there is a need for mediation between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa now.
The Presidents needs to talk and figure this one out. Yes, the Ethiopian government has involved itself in internal matters in Somalia. That it has done by signing the Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. As well, as letting the delegation of Puntland get an official working visit in Addis Ababa. They are now acknowledging them in spite of will of Villa Somalia or the FGS. This is the second time this year alone.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is playing a game of tearing apart and pinning people against each other. His hostile means are targeting Somalia and that so he gets his ports. It is all a gamble to have the right allies and have friendly favours with corruptible leaders within those realms. That’s why his willing to trade with Somaliland and now courtesy call with Puntland delegation days after it suspended working with the FGS. The timing is just peculiar.
The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has now more trouble ahead of him after the amendments and changes of the Constitution. HSM has now to gather diplomatic strength and efforts to solidify his power. Because Puntland and Somaliland is differing with his reign. He is now losing weight and cannot sustain his role as the President over these regions. That’s why the Ethiopian interference is causing him more harm.
Abiy and HSM needs to talk. There is a need for mediation and the IGAD should know its time. The organization needs to react and show its value. That’s if the IGAD has any political currency or forums that can force these to the table. Because this is just causing more friction and tension between the capitals.
The Ethiopian leadership cannot act superior or like it hasn’t done anything wrong. Especially when it does it so casually. They just interpret the windows of opportunities and doesn’t consult with Mogadishu. Therefore, the Somali government have to ad-hoc react and does so with rebuke of the Ethiopian activities. The Ethiopian government wouldn’t have accepted if the Somali government hold talks or co-operated with the TPLF during the conflict in the Tigray region of late. However, that’s what Ethiopia does with separatists and regions who are in conflict with Villa Somalia. That’s why there is a pattern and a need for change here.
The Horn of Africa needs stability, but right now it is only causing more instability. We are seeing the Villa Somalia and the FGS acts on the foreign interference by Ethiopia, but haven’t directly served or found measures to act upon Hargeisa or Garowe. That’s what is striking here. Internally it is weak and lack direction, but quickly acts upon outsiders looking in. President HSM doesn’t look wise doing this, but his allies had to do something.
PM Abiy is causing more trouble in the region. He is playing with fire and seemingly doesn’t care about the consequences, as long as he gets what he wants. That’s how this looks and the next coming days will show what was the outcome. Because, right now…
The rising tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa is warning sign. The Horn of Africa deserves better and the leaders have to talk. Peace.














