Somalia Threatens Ethiopian Airlines with Suspension Over Sovereignty Violations

The Somali government has issued a stern warning to Ethiopian Airlines, threatening to suspend all its flights to Somalia unless specific concerns over what it describes as “violations of Somali sovereignty” are addressed. This development follows increasing tensions between the two nations, with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) accusing Ethiopian Airlines of operating in a manner that undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity.

The crux of the issue appears to revolve around Ethiopian Airlines’ flights to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to gain international recognition. Somali authorities have long been sensitive to any actions they perceive as endorsing Somaliland’s independence. The SCAA’s recent statement highlighted this ongoing tension, noting that they had previously communicated their concerns to Ethiopian Airlines on August 14, 2024.

However, according to the SCAA, instead of addressing the sovereignty issues raised, Ethiopian Airlines made operational adjustments by removing direct references to Somali destinations and using only airport codes. This move, while seemingly administrative, has been interpreted by Somali authorities as an attempt to sidestep the issue rather than resolve it.

“It has come to our attention that, instead of addressing the sovereignty issues outlined in our letter, Ethiopian Airlines has made adjustments to its flight operations by removing references to Somali destinations and retaining only airport codes,” the SCAA stated. This response has further fueled tensions, with the SCAA noting that they have received an “increasing number of complaints” from the Somali public regarding their travel experiences with Ethiopian Airlines.

The SCAA’s ultimatum is clear: if the sovereignty concerns are not resolved by August 23, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines will face a complete suspension of its flights to Somalia. This potential suspension could have significant ramifications, not only for Ethiopian Airlines but also for the many passengers who rely on its services between the two countries. Ethiopian Airlines has been a key player in connecting Somalia with the broader region, and a suspension would disrupt travel and trade between the nations.

Somali authorities have signaled that they are prepared to take a hard line, stating that they will not provide any further warning before taking action. This indicates a serious commitment to enforcing their demands and suggests that the situation could escalate if a resolution is not reached soon.

The controversy is not limited to Ethiopian Airlines. The SCAA has also issued a similar warning to Fly Dubai, a United Arab Emirates-based airline. The Somali government accused Fly Dubai of “serious violations” regarding how it represents destinations in Somalia on its website and booking platforms. The SCAA demanded that Fly Dubai correct these representations to accurately reflect the destinations within Somalia, giving the airline until August 24, 2024, to comply. Failure to do so would result in the revocation of Fly Dubai’s operating permit in Somalia.

These developments underscore the broader geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, where issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity are deeply intertwined with regional politics and international business. Somalia’s warnings to Ethiopian Airlines and Fly Dubai reflect the government’s heightened sensitivity to any perceived challenges to its authority over its territory, particularly regarding Somaliland.

As of now, Ethiopian Airlines and Fly Dubai have not publicly responded to the SCAA’s statements. However, the director of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Getachew Mengiste, acknowledged the issue, stating that officials are aware of the situation but have not yet received any official communication from Somalia. He assured that the matter would be investigated and addressed.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether these airlines will comply with Somalia’s demands or face suspension, a move that could further strain relations in an already volatile region. The international community will be watching closely, as the outcome could have broader implications for aviation and diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa.