Somalia formally breaks diplomatic ties with Ethiopia

Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Somalia has formally broken diplomatic ties with Ethiopia after expelling the Ethiopian ambassador, Muktar Mohamed Ware, and ordering the closure of the Ethiopian Consul in Puntland, the local media reported on Thursday.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Barre said the decision to expel the Ethiopian ambassador was reached during a full cabinet meeting for alleged interference in Somalia's internal affairs.

Ethiopia and Somalia have been at odds after Ethiopia moved on to sign an agreement with Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia, which has been clamouring for international recognition.

The New Year agreement signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland promised a section of the Somali territorial waters to Ethiopia to enable Ethiopia to build a naval base and to access at least 21 km of sea.

In exchange, Somaliland would be allowed to own shares in a strategic national asset in Ethiopia, notably shares in Ethiopian Airlines.

-0- PANA AO/RA 4April2024