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In a move that underscores escalating diplomatic tensions with Ethiopia, Somalia has declared an Ethiopian diplomat in Mogadishu, Ali Mohamed Adan, persona non grata. Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday that Adan, a counselor at Ethiopia’s embassy, has been ordered to depart the country within 72 hours for alleged actions “incompatible with his diplomatic role.”
Alleged Breach of Diplomatic Protocols by Ethiopia
The ministry did not specify the diplomat’s alleged actions but cited “a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.” The Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu has not yet commented on the matter, and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nebiat Getachew, has so far declined requests for clarification.
A Widening Rift With Ethiopia Over Somaliland
The diplomatic strain comes amid longstanding tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over Addis Ababa’s relations with Somaliland. In recent months, Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Somaliland, promising it access to Somaliland’s seafront in exchange for recognition and leasing of coastal land. Somalia considers this MOU a threat to its sovereignty and an attempt by Ethiopia to assert control over strategic coastal areas.
In response, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre condemned Ethiopia’s actions at the United Nations General Assembly last month, calling for international intervention. Ethiopia’s former Foreign Minister, now President Taye Atske Selassie, refuted these claims, asserting that the MOU was consistent with Somalia’s political arrangements and that Ethiopia “has no intentions of annexing Somali territory.”
Previous Diplomatic Measures
This expulsion marks the second time Somalia has taken action against Ethiopian diplomats this year. In April, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Somalia, Muktar Mohamed Ware, was expelled over alleged “internal interference.” Somalia also demanded the closure of Ethiopia’s consulates in Somaliland and Puntland, although they have remained operational.