Somalia Sends Ethiopian Diplomat Packing as Regional Strain Escalates
MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a swift diplomatic move, Somalia has declared an Ethiopian envoy “persona non grata” due to his reportedly antagonistic actions against Somali authorities. The envoy has been given a tight three-day window to leave the nation, or face deportation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Ali Mohamed Adan of behavior “inconsistent with his diplomatic obligations.” Adan, who held the position of Consular II at the Ethiopian embassy in Mogadishu, is being expelled following allegations of serious misconduct.
“These actions violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, specifically Articles 41 and 42,” stated a recent release. These articles mandate that diplomats adhere to the host country’s laws and refrain from meddling in its domestic issues. This expulsion coincides with a period of escalating tension between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa.
The ministry emphasized Somalia’s dedication to “upholding international diplomatic norms” and defending its sovereignty, highlighting a 72-hour deadline for Adan’s exit. However, specific details about Adan’s alleged wrongdoings remain under wraps, as reported by Addis Standard.
Tensions have spiked due to a January 2024 agreement involving North Western State of Somalia and Ethiopia. This deal grants Ethiopia a 20-kilometer stretch to the Red Sea in return for recognizing North Western State of Somalia as a nation, a maneuver Somalia strongly opposes.
This incident mirrors a similar episode earlier in the year when Somalia expelled Ethiopian Ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware with a 72-hour ultimatum. At that time, Somalia’s distinguished envoy to Addis Abeba was also called back for extensive discussions.
Adding to the diplomatic tug-of-war is Somalia’s insistence on the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops ahead of the scheduled transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newer African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) slated for next year.
Further complicating the scenario is a military covenant between Somalia and Egypt, leading to an Egyptian military presence in Mogadishu. This deployment has stirred Ethiopian concerns about potential regional threats tied to the ATMIS transition.
In a bid to bolster its border security, Somalia conducted a tripartite summit with Egypt and Eritrea in October in Asmara, underscoring their shared commitment to fortifying defense capabilities. Despite the current diplomatic friction, Ethiopia remains an integral security and developmental ally to Somalia.
AXADLETM
