The recent rise in diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia has raised concerns in the Horn of Africa region. Since the announcement of a deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland three months ago, relations between the two East African neighbors have deteriorated, jeopardizing their partnership on security.
On April 4, Somalia ordered the departure of the Ethiopian ambassador from the country within 72 hours, as well as the closure of Ethiopia’s consulates in the Somaliland region and the semi-autonomous Puntland region. Diplomats and consulate staff were ordered to leave Somalia within a week, in line with a Cabinet resolution. Separately, Somalia’s foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations.
The Cabinet resolution cites Ethiopia’s interference in Somalia’s “internal affairs” as the reason for these diplomatic decisions. In January, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia condemned as an attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This memorandum was to allow Ethiopia access to the sea via Somaliland, in exchange for which Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland as an independent country.
Ethiopia, as the most populous landlocked country in the world, sought to establish a strategic sea route through this agreement with Somaliland. However, these ambitions have triggered a strong response from Somalia, which considers Somaliland to be an integral part of its territory.
Tensions were exacerbated by unilateral actions by Ethiopia, including trade talks with a Puntland delegation without prior coordination with the federal government of Somalia. Puntland, a semi-autonomous region, recently announced its withdrawal from Somalia’s federal system and its desire for self-governance until constitutional amendments are approved through a national referendum.
This diplomatic escalation comes in a context where Somalia is facing a deadly Islamist insurgency led by the terrorist group Al-Shabab. To combat this threat, Somalia is collaborating with neighboring countries, including Ethiopia. Addis Ababa has deployed military personnel to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia.
While Ethiopia and Somalia have historically enjoyed peaceful relations, Ethiopia’s recent unilateral initiatives have led to diplomatic tensions. The deterioration of these relations highlights the complex geopolitical issues in the region and underscores the need for regional actors to find peaceful solutions to preserve stability and security in the Horn of Africa.