Somalia fires Ethiopian envoy over maritime deal dispute

(MENAFN) In a major escalation of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, Somalia has taken the unprecedented step of expelling the Ethiopian ambassador, Muktar Mohamed Ware. The expulsion comes amid a heated dispute over a Red Sea access deal Ethiopia forged earlier this year with separatist Somaliland, exacerbating old territorial grievances between neighboring East African nations.

The announcement of Ambassador Ware’s expulsion was made by Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing alleged violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and internal affairs by the Ethiopian government. Somalia’s decision to expel the ambassador underlines the seriousness of the rift between the two nations, as tensions continue to simmer over the contentious maritime deal.

At the center of the dispute is a January 1 agreement between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, which grants Ethiopia access to a 20-kilometre stretch of coastline around the port of Berbera in the Gulf of Aden. This 50-year lease aims to facilitate Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea for commercial purposes and the establishment of a marine force base.

However, Somalia vehemently opposes the agreement, considering it an usurpation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Somalia maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of its territory, despite the region’s de facto independence since 1991. The controversial pact has sparked accusations of aggression by Mogadishu, supported by allies such as Egypt, further exacerbating tensions. between the two nations.

In response to Somalia’s expulsion of Ambassador Ware, Ethiopia has denied accusations of territorial expansionism and reiterated its commitment to peaceful relations with its neighbor. However, the expulsion marks a significant escalation of diplomatic hostilities and highlights the deep-seated grievances and unresolved territorial disputes that continue to plague relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. As tensions persist, the region braces for possible repercussions on regional stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

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