IMAGE SOURCE,DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT OF CANADA
Diplomatic Escalation: Somalia Turns Away Ethiopian Plane Bound for Somaliland.
A significant diplomatic escalation unfolds as Somalia rejects entry to a plane carrying Ethiopian officials bound for Somaliland, exacerbating tensions between the nations. Somalia’s Information Minister states that the plane lacked authorization to enter the country’s airspace.
The Ethiopian delegation was on its way to Somaliland to discuss a controversial deal signed on January 1. The agreement proposes leasing one of Somaliland’s ports to Ethiopia, with reciprocal benefits, including a stake in Ethiopian Airlines and potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty. Somalia vehemently opposes the deal, denouncing it as an act of aggression.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) declares that flight ET8273 violated international regulations requiring clearance from countries transited. The aircraft attempted to land at Somaliland’s Hargeisa Airport. Despite this incident, routine flights between the two nations continue unaffected, according to the SCAA. Ethiopia’s government is yet to comment, but Ethiopian Airlines’ head confirms the plane’s return to Addis Ababa.
Somaliland, having declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a self-governing entity with elections, a police force, and its currency. However, no country officially recognizes its sovereignty. Somalia’s refusal to allow the Ethiopian plane in its airspace sends a strong signal against acknowledging Somaliland’s independence.
As tensions escalate, both the United States and the African Union advocate for Somalia’s territorial integrity and urge all parties to de-escalate hostilities. The incident underscores the delicate geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa and raises concerns about regional stability.
