Interview with Ambassador David Shinn

Source: by Ahmed Hirsi – Freelance Writer
Sunday, September 27, 2015

David H. Shinn is an American diplomat and professor. He is an Adjunct Professor of International Affairs at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

Ahmed Hirsi:  Mr Ambassador is it technically possible that free and fair elections could be implemented in Somalia given that Somalia is a fragmented and feudal society, with no voter’s register in existence, there are no institutions to both plan, manage and the constitution that does exist today is both ambiguous and provisional and to make things worse there is no official or credible census that could be used during elections?

David Shinn:  It is possible for Somalia to experience free and fair elections.  Somalia had a history of reasonably good elections in the 1960s before the takeover of the government by Siad Barre.  As you suggest, it will take a long time to create the institutions, census, and registration of voters that permit free and fair elections.  But it is possible.

AH: If the International Community is serious and committed about the Al-Shabaab menace how come, the Somali armed forces are not trained and equipped in large numbers apart from  the few thousands from one or two regions in Somalia,  that have been trained in neighbouring countries ?

DSH: The problem in creating a Somali national army has less to do with the international community and more to do with clan and regional loyalties of Somalis. Too many Somalis still give their loyalty to a clan or region and not to the national government.  Until this situation changes, it will be difficult to create a large and effective national army.

AH : There have been so many scandals involving various small or new companies that have singed various oil explorations deals with either regional or the central government. Do you think any deals entered with a weak government are legally binding?

DSH: I don’t know the details of the agreements reached between foreign energy companies and Somali authorities. My impression is that some of these deals have been signed with regional authorities. This raises serious questions about their validity.  Even those signed with the federal government are highly suspect because of the manner in which they were negotiated.  Once there is a functional national government, all of these agreements will need to be reviewed.

AH: What is your take on the notion of federalism that is taking root in Somalia, well knowing that Somalia is clan-ridden society .Do you think federalism could prevent misuse of power by few people and those who argue federalism will bring services and the government closer to the people are they right ?

DSH:  Over the short-term, federalism in Somalia seems to be a fact of life.  I doubt there is a viable alternative.  Once confidence is established in a national government, however, it might be possible to shift more responsibility to the national level.  Federalism can play a useful role.  Ultimately, it is up to the Somali people to determine how much federalism it wants and how and when to transfer more authority to the national government.

AH: You have worked in Ethiopia for many years and you seem to be an expert on that country. As we all know Ethiopia has made great developmental strides and its economy is booming. Could you please share with us the secrets behind the Ethiopian economic success story?

DSH: The Ethiopian economy has functioned well because the government has an intelligent plan (largely established by Meles Zenawi) that it has pursued vigorously.  It has an educated and committed leadership.  It has managed to minimize corruption.  It has attracted a great deal of financial support from the outside: China, EU, US, India, Turkey, World Bank, etc. In recent years, it has managed to avoid serious internal conflict and, except for Eritrea, has had cordial relations with its neighbors.  There are, however, some clouds on the horizon.  Individual freedoms have been suppressed and most of the growth has been led by the state.  At some point soon, Ethiopia must do  more to open political space and allow the private sector to thrive.

AH: How long do you think the International Community is prepared to fund the AMISOM operations in Somalia?

DSH: The international community is prepared to fund AMISOM for the foreseeable future.  There is no alternative.  If AMISOM sustains significant setbacks and/or the Somali federal government fails to make significant progress in implementing a government acceptable to most Somalis, there may be pressure to reduce support for AMISOM.

AH : Finally what do you think could be done to revive the Somali economy , since no big investors will risk investing their money in  Somalia and  the few that come to Somalia main aim is to take advantage of the  weak structures that are in place ?

DSH: The only thing that will truly revive the Somali economy beyond building of structures or establishment of services that make a fast dollar is the establishment of security throughout the country and a widely accepted government that is capable of delivering services either at the national or federal level.  Anything short of this will fail to revive the economy.

Thank you very much for your time Mr Ambassador.

Tanzania to host field training for over 600 senior police officers from 14 African countries

Source: Xinhuanet, Tuesday April 16, 2024




FILE – The 24th Eastern Africa Police Chiefs was held in December 2022 in Addis Ababa

DAR ES SALAAM (Xinhua) — Tanzania will host a week-long field training exercise for 670 senior police officers from the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO), a regional police body whose membership consists of chiefs of police from 14 African countries.

David Misime, spokesperson for the Tanzania Police Force, host of the training, told Xinhua on Saturday that the training was aimed at strengthening the fight against transnational crime, including terrorism, money laundering, and human and drug trafficking.

He said the training, to be held at the Moshi Police Academy in the Kilimanjaro Region from April 13 to 18, will also equip the trainees to exchange intelligence reports among EAPCCO member countries.

The 670 senior police officers come from EAPCCO member countries of Burundi, the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Europe pledges to boost aid to Sudan on unwelcome war anniversary

Source Alazeera: Germany promises $260m as European diplomats meet in Paris to mark the first anniversary of the conflict.

Video Duration 03 minutes 30 seconds03:30

Published On 15 Apr 202415 Apr 2024

Germany will provide 244 million euros ($260m) in humanitarian aid to Sudan, one year after the country plunged into war, as other European countries are also expected to pledge more funds.

European diplomats met in France on Monday to mark the anniversary of the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced 8.5 million since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last April.

Sudan Talks Falter and War Expands

 Source: Atlas News published on 12 April 2024 an article titled “Sudan Talks Pushed Back as War Expands” by Sebastien Gray.

The proposed 18 April date for the resumption of peace talks between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Saudi Arabia has been pushed back to a time that has not yet been agreed upon.  A collection of militias in north Darfur known as the Joint Force has aligned with the SAF against the RSF, which controls most of Darfur.

Source; Ajazera,

News|Conflict

After a year of war in Sudan, what is the situation now?

Peacemaking efforts and attempts at ceasefire have all collapsed since fighting broke out in Khartoum last year.

By Areesha Lodhi

Published On 11 Apr 202411 Apr 2024

It has been nearly one year since war broke out in Sudan, causing a devastating humanitarian crisis and bringing long-existing political and ethnic tensions into sharp focus.

The two warring parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have continued a longstanding struggle for power. Over the past year, violent clashes have killed nearly 16,000 people and displaced millions.

KEEP READING

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Sudan crisis one of the ‘worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory’: UN

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Are Sudan’s civil society activists being targeted by both warring sides?

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First UN food aid in months arrives in Sudan’s Darfur as famine looms

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Thousands of desperate people are still fleeing the country daily “as if the emergency had started yesterday”, the United Nations reported on Tuesday this week.

Diplomatic efforts have failed to put an end to the crisis, which experts have said was partially triggered by an internationally backed plan to merge the RSF into the army.

Here’s what you need to know about Sudan’s war, the peacemaking efforts which have been undertaken since it broke out and what the humanitarian situation is now.

https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.633.0_en.html#goog_460039255Play Video

Video Duration 02 minutes 02 seconds02:02

Why is there a war in Sudan?

The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023, when a power struggle between the army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo reached a tipping point.

After Sudan’s ruler for nearly 30 years, President Omar al-Bashir, was toppled by a popular uprising in 2019, a fragile transition to civilian-led democracy was blown apart when al-Burhan and Hemedti staged a coup in 2021.

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The army and the RSF initially shared power but an ensuing power struggle between the two was exacerbated by an internationally backed Framework Agreement in December 2022. This attempted to integrate the RSF into the army as part of a wider reform of the security sector and the transition to democracy.

While Western countries pressured the two sides to reach a deal quickly, promising aid and debt relief as incentives, each side feared ceding too much control to the other in a new political order.

“The Framework Agreement … brought to the fore key existential issues for both forces and their leaderships, such as [RSF] integration into a single army, military divestment from lucrative sectors of the economy and the prospect of [soldiers] facing justice for past abuses,” Jonas Horner, an independent researcher on Sudan, told Al Jazeera.

“Most of all … the two forces feared being left weaker than the other.”

Tensions between the two military forces reached boiling point in Khartoum on April 15 last year, when both forces sent armoured vehicles into the streets and they opened fire on each other.

Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf enters AUC Chair race against Kenya, Somalia

Hiiraan online, Wednesday April 10, 2024




Djibouti Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
Mogadishu (HOL) – Djibouti has nominated Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, its seasoned Foreign Affairs Minister, as its contender for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, joining Kenya and Somalia in a competitive race for this key position.

Djibouti’s presidency, which announced Youssouf’s candidacy on Tuesday, highlighted his over two decades of diplomatic experience. Youssouf is set to compete against Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam and Kenya’s Raila Odinga for the chairpersonship, succeeding Moussa Faki, who has been in office since 2017.

“Djibouti expresses its faith in Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s seasoned diplomacy and in-depth knowledge of the Continental Organization,” the Djibouti presidency stated, endorsing him as a candidate capable of revitalizing the Pan-African Organization.

As the February 2025 elections approach, Kenya has garnered endorsements from Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Ghana, reflecting President William Ruto’s intensive campaign for Odinga. 

The AUC Chairperson election is part of the African Union’s broader reforms aimed at improving leadership selection transparency, regional representation, and gender parity. The Eastern Africa region has been designated to nominate candidates for the next Chairperson, a decision ratified by the African Union’s Executive Council.

Candidates for the AUC Chairperson position who will serve a four-year renewable term are expected to have substantial expertise and advanced degrees in law, international relations, or political science. The Chairperson acts as the Union’s Chief Executive Officer and legal representative.

Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan, who announced her candidacy in early March, is a trailblazer in Somali politics. She previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister from November 2012 to January 2014, becoming the first Somali woman to be nominated for this prestigious position.

Somalia, a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, has never held the top position within the organization, making Adan’s candidacy a watershed moment for the country.

In late March, Somalia formed an eight-member committee led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to prepare for the African Union Commission (AUC) election campaign

Why is a ‘French Foreign Legion’ for the UAE problematic?

Source: DW, Wednesday April 10, 2024


The UAE is a hub for mercenaries in Africa and the Middle East. Now the Emirates want their own version of the French Foreign Legion. That may change how secret, private armies work in a legal grey zone.

The proliferation of PMSCs started with the US, which used companies like Blackwater (pictured) in Iraq and Afghanistan / Image: Chris Curry/dpa/picture alliance

The job advertisement intrigued a lot more people than it was meant to, possibly because it sounded like the start of an action movie.

“Foreign Legion operator” wanted, it read. Must be under 50, highly disciplined, physically fit, with at least five years of military experience and able to deal with “high stress conditions.” Pay would start at around $2,000 a month but would increase once deployed outside of the United Arab Emirates, to Yemen or Somalia.

The ad was first discovered by French industry publication, Intelligence Online, who said it had been circulated by former French special forces soldiers. Further investigation traced the ad back to a security consultancy, the Manar Military Company, or MMC, based in Abu Dhabi. The company is run by a former French special forces officer and is financially connected to a wealthy, politically influential Abu Dhabi family.

UK announces full debt cancellation for Somalia, boosting economic growth

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday April 10, 2024

2024-04-09, British Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia- The United Kingdom has fully cancelled Somalia’s historic debt through the completion of the HIPC Initiative, which aims to assist the Horn of the African country in attracting investment, fostering economic growth, and building a secure and stable Somalia.

Deputy Ambassador Sam Thomas made the announcement during his meeting with Minister of Finance Bihi Iman Egeh in Mogadishu on Tuesday.

“Today I confirmed to Finance Minister Bihi that the UK has cancelled 100% of Somalia’s historic debts. As Somalia’s debt relief champion, we are committed to helping attract investment and grow the Somali economy,” the UK embassy in Mogadishu posted on its X (formerly Twitter).

The Minister of Finance described the decision as remarkable and building on the progress made during last month’s Paris Club discussions.

Last month, Paris Club, a collection of some of the world’s wealthiest creditor nations, canceled 99% of Somalia’s debt, a major boost as the country continues its fragile economic recovery from an ongoing three-decade conflict.

In a statement released by the Paris Club, which is run by senior officials from the French Treasury, Somalia’s creditors, including the US, UK, Russia, Norway, and Japan, announced the cancellation of $2bn owed to club members as of January 2023.

UN says 38 dead, including children, as migrant boat sinks off Djibouti

Source: Aljazeera, Tuesday April 9, 2024

Rescuers search for survivors on the beach after two boats carrying migrants and refugees capsized off the shore near Godoria, in northeast Djibouti, in January 2019 [International Organization for Migration via AP]

At least 38 migrants and refugees, including children, have died after their boat sank off the coast of Djibouti, the United Nations migration agency has said, after their bodies were recovered.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a post on X on Tuesday that at least six others are missing and presumed dead, and that 22 survivors are being assisted by its representatives in the East African country, along with local officials.

This adds to nearly 1,000 people who have been recorded to have died or gone missing after embarking on the “Eastern Route” since 2014, the IOM said.

The treacherous journey on the infamous route takes migrants from Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa through Yemen to other Arab countries in the region.

The route continues to see an increase in migrant journeys despite the dangers, with people seeking better livelihoods and with larger numbers of women and children travelling alone, according to the IOM.

In February, the agency reported that nearly 400,000 migrant movements were recorded across the Eastern Route in 2023.

Another route from the Horn of Africa to the south of the continent, particularly to South Africa, which is also identified by the UN as a highly dangerous and complex route, saw 80,000 movements in the same period.

At least 698 people, including women and children, died in 2023 while trying to cross the Gulf of Aden from Djibouti to Yemen in hopes of reaching Saudi Arabia, the IOM said in a report, adding that it provides assistance to more than 1.4 million migrants and host communities in the Horn of Africa, Yemen and Southern Africa.

Migrants and refugees leave home in search of better jobs, to escape conflict and insecurity, and the adverse effects of climate change. In addition to facing the threat of drowning in shipwrecks, they can also be exposed to starvation, health risks, and exploitation by traffickers.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

Ethiopia Back on the Brink

 Source: Foreign Affairs posted on 8 April 2024 a commentary titled “Ethiopia Back on the Brink” by Alex de Waal and Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, both with the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University.

The authors point out that the war in Tigray Region has been followed by rebellion in Amhara Region and continuing unrest in Oromia.  Famine threatens both Tigray and Amhara Regions.  The United Arab Emirates is keeping the Abiy Ahmed government afloat but is also encouraging reckless projects

Ethiopia set to join EAC, CS Malonza says

Source: KBC, Tuesday April 9, 2024

Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development Peninah Malonza

Ethiopia is set to become the 9th member state of East Africa Community (EAC), just a few months after Somali’s admission to the bloc.

This was disclosed by Peninah Malonza, the Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of EAC, Arid and Semi-arid Lands and Regional Development.

Speaking while leading a relief food distribution drive in Kitui Central Constituency, Malonza announced that talks between Ethiopia and EAC Summit Heads of states are in the last stages and soon Ethiopia will be part of the bloc.

Aside from Ethiopia’s admission, the EAC partner states also seeks to harmonize critical policies and put in place requisite institutions to attain a single currency for the region by the end of this year as outlined in the EAC Monetary Union Protocol.

East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight (8) Partner States, comprising the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

US warns of possible attacks on ‘multiple locations’ in Mogadishu

By Harun Maruf
Source: VOA, Tuesday April 9, 2024

A Somali soldier secures the area after a car bomb attack at a Presidential Palace checkpoint in Mogadishu, Somalia, Sept. 25, 2021. (AP File Photo)

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi says it has received information about threats to multiple locations in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

One of the locations identified as a possible target for the threat is the city’s main airport, the Aden Adde International Airport, which also serves as a base for the African Union mission in Somalia and multiple embassies, including the United States and other Western countries.

“All movements of U.S. Embassy personnel have been canceled for Tuesday, April 9, 2024,” the security alert said. The alert added, “The U.S. Department of State level-four travel advisory (“do not travel”) for Somalia remains in effect due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.”

U.S. citizens have been urged to take several measures including reviewing their personal security plans and avoiding large crowds, gatherings and demonstrations, among other steps, to ensure their safety.

The United States did not specify where the threat is coming from, but the al-Shabab militant group has been carrying out attacks against the Somali government, African Union forces and other nations supporting Somalia.

Meru farmers halt Somalia miraa export over tax hike

Source: Hiiraan: Monday April 8, 2024



Nairobi (HOL) – Miraa (khat) farmers in Meru, Kenya, have declared a week-long halt to their exports to Somalia, citing concerns over high tax rates. The suspension is a reaction to the financial strain they face due to the 80,000 Kenyan shilling (627.25$) levy imposed per shipment at airports.

The steep tax, introduced in 2022, has significantly reduced the farmers’ earnings. During a gathering at Maili Tatu Stadium, they expressed their grievances and warned that the suspension could extend if the Kenyan government fails to address their issues promptly.

The tax dispute comes after Somalia, in July 2022, consented to renew khat trade with Kenya, a move facilitated by discussions between Somali President Hassan Sheikh and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Ethiopia, Turkey, Somalia, and Somaliland: It’s Complicated

 Source. The Conversation published on 3 April 2024 a commentary titled “Turkey and Ethiopia Have Had Close Ties for Many Years: Somalia Maritime Deals May Shift the Dynamics” by Michael B. Bishku, Augusta University.  

Long standing Ethiopia-Turkey ties are being put to the test as a result of Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland for a military base and reportedly diplomatic recognition.  Turkey has a military base in Somalia, which opposes the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal, and is training Somali soldiers and equipping its naval force.  This situation poses a dilemma for Turkey’s relations with Ethiopia.

News|Humanitarian Crises

Source: UN, First UN food aid in months arrives in Sudan’s Darfur as famine looms

Aid deliveries follow talks to reopen humanitarian corridors from Chad amid warnings that millions face acute hunger.

Published On 5 Apr 20245 Apr 2024

The United Nations has begun distributing food in Sudan’s war-ravaged Darfur region for the first time in months amid warnings of impending famine caused by a yearlong war and lack of access to food aid.

The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) said two aid convoys crossed the border from Chad in late March, carrying food and nutrition assistance for about 250,000 people for a month.

Puntland leader accused of blocking several development projects in Puntland

Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday April 6, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Abdiqafar Hassan Hange, has accused the leader of Puntland, Said Deni, of blocking many projects that would have created jobs and other opportunities for the Puntland people.

Speaking in Mogadishu on Friday, Minister Hange emphasized that dozens of projects costing hundreds of millions of dollars are on the table, awaiting Puntland’s signature.

The pending projects include the national teachers’ salary project, the Damal Health project, the Barwaaqo project (formerly Biyole), the budget subsidy project, and the Energy and Electricity project, according to the minister.

“Deni wants to starve the people of Puntland and make them unemployed, and they are not allowed to think, which are the hallmarks of a dictator,” said Abdiqafar Haange.

He also stated that Puntland leader Said Deni is conflating his political conflict with the federal government and development projects for his state.

In May 2023, Deputy Finance Minister Abdiqafar Hassan Hange stated that Deni’s opposition to the federal government stemmed from his unsuccessful bid to become Prime Minister.

Last year, 2022, Deni publicly supported Mohamud during the climactic final round of the national presidential elections, resulting in Mohamud defeating the incumbent President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. At that time, political analysts widely anticipated Mohamud would select Deni or one of his close associates for the Prime Minister’s position, but this expectation did not materialize.

However, last week, the oil-rich, semiautonomous region of Puntland said it would operate as a state that’s independent of Somalia until changes to the adopted Somali constitution are approved via a popular referendum.

Puntland is a territory of about 4.9 million people in northeastern Somalia. In January, regional lawmakers reelected Said Abdullahi Deni as the area’s leader for another five years.  

Why are Somalia and Ethiopia in a deepening diplomatic dispute? | Inside Story

Source: Aljazeera, Saturday April 6, 2024

Rift comes after Somaliland deal giving landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea

A deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland involving the lease of coastline and establishment of a naval base has further worsened diplomatic relations with Somalia.

Somalia’s government is furious at the agreement, which would give landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea.

So far it is only a diplomatic dispute. But why is this rift worsening, and could there be wider consequences?

Russia Strengthens Eritrea Ties with High Level Naval Visits

 Source: The Eritrean Ministry of Information published on 4 April 2024 a press release titled “Russian Delegation Visits Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions.”

The deputy commander of the Russian navy led a delegation to Eritrea in early April when it toured a variety of port and airport facilities.  

Military Africa published on 3 April 2024 an article titled “Russian Navy’s Udaloy Class Frigate Visits Eritrea to Strengthen Ties” by Kazim Abdul.

Coinciding with the Russian deputy naval commander’s visit, the Udaloy class frigate, Marshal Shaposhnikov, and guided missile cruiser, Varyag, made a five-day visit to Massawa marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Russia.  

Critical Threats published on 4 April 2024 an article titled “The Kremlin’s Red Sea Ambitions in Eritrea” by Liam Karr. 

The article provides additional detail on the Russia-Eritrea relationship.

Atrocities in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region

 Source: Human Rights Watch published on 4 April 2024 a report titled “Ethiopia: Military Executes Dozens in Amhara Region.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that the Ethiopian military summarily executed scores of civilians in Merawi, a town in Amhara region, during fighting in January and February with Fano militia.  HRW called for an independent inquiry by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Somalia expels Ethiopian ambassador, closes consulates amid port deal controversy

Source: Hiiraan Online, Thursday April 4, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia has expelled the Ethiopian ambassador and shuttered its consulates in the Puntland and Somaliland regions on Thursday, a day after Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs discussed a bilateral issue with a delegation from Puntland in Addis Ababa.

In a statement, the Council of Ministers accused the Ethiopian government of interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs.

Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, met with a delegation from Puntland, led by its Finance Minister, Mohammed Farah Mohammed, in Addis Ababa on Wednesday. They discussed collaborative opportunities in trade, investment, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects to bolster and broaden the two sides’ ties.

Last Saturday, Puntland announced that it withdrew its recognition of Somalia’s federal Government in Mogadishu after Somalia’s bicameral parliament ratified plans to amend Somalia’s constitution.

Officials from Somalia confirmed these actions directly responded to Ethiopia’s involvement in a lease agreement for coastal land in the disputed Somaliland territory.

Ethiopia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla said it did not have information on the matter.

Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding on January 1 to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s coastline. However, Somalia, which claims sovereignty over the region, has faced stern opposition. The deal, which includes Ethiopia’s intention to establish a naval base and hints at recognizing Somaliland’s autonomy, has sparked fears of increased instability in the Horn of Africa.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has denounced the agreement as illegal, warning of defensive measures should Ethiopia proceed. The expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador and the consulate closures signal a deepening rift, with potential implications for the 3,000 Ethiopian troops in Somalia under the African Union’s peacekeeping mission.

Read below the statement from the Somali cabinet of ministers.

1. As of April 4, 2024, the Federal Government of Somalia has decided to close and revoke the operating permission of the Ethiopian Consulates in the cities of Garowe and Hargeisa. These two consulates must be closed within a week.
2. Diplomats and employees of the Ethiopian government working in the aforementioned cities must depart the country within the stipulated week.
3. Non-compliance with this resolution by Ethiopian Government diplomats will be deemed a violation government’s sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and further measures will be taken against them in accordance with international diplomatic protocols.
4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia is tasked with officially communicating this resolution to the Ethiopian government and notifying the Ethiopian government of the Federal Republic of Somalia to return to his country for a consultation.
5. This resolution will be effective upon approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Federal Republic of Somalia and upon being signed by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.