Somalia announced last Thursday the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador, Muktar Mohamed Ware. This move comes amid a worsening relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia over the issue of Somaliland’s independence.
As per a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Muktar has been given a span of 72 hours to depart Somalia. Moreover, the Ethiopian Consulates General in Hargeisa and Garowe, the capitals of Somaliland and Puntland respectively, were instructed to close within seven days. In addition, the Somali ambassador in Ethiopia located in Addis Ababa, was recalled for “comprehensive consultations”.
As per the statement released, this decision was undertaken by the Council of Ministers under Article 90 of Somalia’s Constitution. The expelling of the ambassador is a reaction to Ethiopia’s actions, which allegedly “infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty and international affairs”.
On January 2nd, Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, thereby officially recognizing it as an independent nation. This move was fiercely opposed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who warned that the land “belongs to Somalia and [Somalia] will never yield to whatever pressure that comes on it”.
Somaliland, on the other hand, unilaterally declared its independence in 1991 after the start of the Somali Civil War and established its own constitution. Despite limited international recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty, Ethiopia has voiced its support for its independence. Amid this diplomatic turmoil, ambassador Muktar issued an apology for his “misguided” remarks on Somaliland’s status, underlining that he did not intend to damage relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.
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