Somalia’s aviation authority has issued a stern warning to Ethiopian Airlines, threatening to suspend all flights to the country unless the airline addresses concerns related to the disputed Somaliland region.
The dispute stems from Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland to lease a portion of its coastline, a move that has angered Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its territory.
In return for the lease, Ethiopia has hinted at recognizing Somaliland’s independence, a step that Somalia vehemently opposes.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) accused Ethiopian Airlines of “removing references to Somali destinations” and “undermining the sovereignty of Somalia.”
The SCAA also criticized the airline for failing to address previous complaints about its services.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, currently operates flights to both Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, and several cities in Somalia.
The airline’s website lists Hargeisa without a country, a move that has further fueled tensions.
If Ethiopian Airlines does not comply with the SCAA’s demands by August 23, Somalia has vowed to ground all of the airline’s flights to the country.
The dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia over Somaliland is just one of many challenges facing the Horn of Africa region.
The region has been plagued by conflict, poverty, and instability for decades.