Somalia has refused entry to a plane carrying Ethiopian officials bound for the self-declared republic of Somaliland, intensifying a diplomatic dispute.
Somalia’s information minister cited lack of airspace permission for the denial.
The Ethiopian delegation’s visit to Somaliland aimed at discussing a controversial deal signed on January 1.
This agreement, allowing Somaliland to lease a port to Ethiopia in exchange for a stake in Ethiopian Airlines and potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty, triggered strong opposition from Somalia, branding it as aggression.
Despite this incident, routine flights between the two nations remain unaffected. The international community, represented by the US and the African Union, has affirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and urged de-escalation.
