MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a significant diplomatic escalation, Somalia has ordered the expulsion of a senior…
MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a significant diplomatic escalation, Somalia has ordered the expulsion of a senior Ethiopian diplomat, a move that comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland earlier this year.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia has declared Mr. Ali Mohamed Adan, Counselor II at the Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu, “persona non grata” giving him 72 hours to depart the country. The decision comes after allegations of conduct deemed incompatible with his diplomatic status.
Rising Regional Tensions
The expulsion takes place amid severely strained relations between the two East African nations, triggered by Ethiopia’s January 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. That agreement, which Somalia views as a violation of its sovereignty, has created significant diplomatic friction in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has maintained a de facto autonomous status but lacks international recognition. Despite functioning as a self-governing region with its own government, currency, and security forces, it is still considered part of Somalia under international law. No foreign government has formally recognized Somaliland’s claimed independence.
According to the ministry’s official statement, Mr. Adan is accused of engaging in activities that breach the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, specifically Articles 41 and 42, which outline diplomats’ obligations to respect host nation laws and prohibit interference in internal affairs.
“The expulsion order demonstrates Somalia’s unwavering commitment to protecting its national sovereignty and upholding international diplomatic protocols,” a senior ministry official stated. The diplomatic move underscores Somalia’s determination to enforce strict adherence to established diplomatic norms and practices.
Broader Implications
The Ethiopian embassy has not yet publicly responded to the expulsion order. However, this development marks a further deterioration in the already tense relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, traditionally complex neighbors in the strategically important Horn of Africa region.
This diplomatic action represents one of the most serious measures a host country can take against a foreign diplomat. Under international law, a declaration of “persona non grata” requires no explanation or justification from the host country.
Regional analysts suggest this expulsion could be interpreted as a direct response to Ethiopia’s increasing engagement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as an infringement on its territorial integrity. The situation has drawn attention from international observers concerned about stability in the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with various security and political challenges.
The diplomatic crisis unfolds as the international community closely watches the delicate balance of power in East Africa, where historical tensions, territorial disputes, and strategic interests continue to shape regional dynamics.
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