Somalia’s Aviation Authority Threatens Ethiopian Airlines Suspension Amid Sovereignty Dispute
Somalia has issued a stark warning to Ethiopian Airlines, threatening to suspend all flights to the country if ongoing sovereignty disputes are not resolved. The latest development in this long-standing diplomatic conflict underscores the growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the status of Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized.
The Root of the Dispute: Ethiopia’s Agreement with Somaliland
Earlier this year, Addis Ababa signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland to lease a 20-kilometer (12-mile) stretch of coastline for 50 years. This deal is significant for Ethiopia, a landlocked nation that has long sought access to the sea to bolster its economic prospects. However, this agreement has not only angered Somalia but also raised critical questions about the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
In exchange for leasing the coast, Somaliland hinted that Ethiopia might become the first country to formally recognize its independence—a move that Addis Ababa has yet to confirm. Such a recognition would be a significant political shift in the region, potentially altering the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has found itself at the center of this diplomatic storm. The airline operates flights to Hargeisa, Somaliland’s largest city, as well as to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and four other provincial cities. However, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has raised serious concerns about how the airline references Somali destinations in its operations.
According to the SCAA, Ethiopian Airlines has been “removing references to Somali destinations, and retaining only Airport Codes” in its booking systems. The SCAA contends that this practice undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and exacerbates the original concerns related to the MoU with Somaliland.
In a strongly worded letter published by Somali state media, the SCAA stated that if these issues are not addressed by August 23, it would have “no choice but to suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Somalia, effective from that date.” The authority warned that any future infractions, such as failing to properly identify Somali destinations, would result in immediate suspension without further notice.
Public Outcry and Growing Frustration
The situation has also sparked frustration among the Somali public, with the SCAA noting an “increasing number of unacceptable complaints” about their travel experiences with Ethiopian Airlines. These complaints, coupled with the airline’s handling of destination representation, have only intensified the backlash against the carrier.
Adding to the complexity, the SCAA also issued a similar warning to Fly Dubai, a government-owned airline of the United Arab Emirates. Fly Dubai had suspended its Mogadishu route in June due to security concerns, and the SCAA demanded that the airline correct “serious violations” in how it represents Somali destinations on its platforms. The airline has until August 24 to comply or face the revocation of its operating permit within Somalia.
Diplomatic Mediation: Can Türkiye Play a Role?
In a bid to defuse the situation, Türkiye has been mentioned as a potential mediator in talks between the involved parties. However, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts can ease the tensions that have escalated over the recognition of Somaliland and the broader issues of sovereignty that are at play.
The Path Forward
As the August deadline looms, the possibility of Ethiopian Airlines being barred from Somali airspace is becoming increasingly real. Such a suspension would not only strain relations between Somalia and Ethiopia but also disrupt air travel in a region already facing numerous challenges.
The sovereignty dispute over Somaliland continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability, and the actions taken in the coming days could have long-lasting implications. For now, all eyes are on how Ethiopian Airlines and the respective governments will navigate this complex and sensitive issue.
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