The Somali Foreign Minister Affirms Ethiopian Embassy’s Continued Presence in Villa Somalia Despite Diplomatic Strains

In a striking announcement, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somalia’s chief diplomat, articulated that the Ethiopian Embassy, nestled within the Somali Presidential Palace since 2007, would remain put for the moment, despite simmering discontent from the Somali authorities.

Ethiopia set up its embassy in Villa Somalia after its military marched into Mogadishu in December 2006. This intervention was intended to bolster the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) against rebel factions, notably the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).

Although the Somali leadership is irked by the embassy’s current spot, Fiqi underscored that uprooting it now might stir diplomatic kerfuffles, especially since Somalia’s own diplomatic mission in Ethiopia is nestled in a similarly prime locale. He elaborated, “The Ethiopian Embassy found its abode within the Presidential Palace with the nod from Somalia’s top brass back in 2007, spurred by Ethiopia’s military entry. Relocation hinges on Somalia’s stabilization, and once the stars align, foreign embassies will face relocation to sites appointed by our government.”

Adding an intriguing twist, Fiqi shared that Mogadishu has schemes up its sleeve to shake things up if Ethiopia clings to its memorandum with North Western State of Somalia, a renegade region staking a claim to independence. Contemplated actions include the possible retreat of Ethiopian troops from Somali soil by the dawn of January 1st.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring