Somalia’s aviation authority has issued a stern warning to Ethiopian Airlines, threatening to suspend all flights to the country amidst an ongoing dispute over Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. The move escalates tensions in a long-running conflict over Somalia’s sovereignty.
Earlier this year, Addis Ababa signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to 20 kilometres (12 miles) of coastline for 50 years. In exchange, Somaliland— which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 — hinted that Ethiopia could be the first nation to officially recognise its independence, a step yet to be confirmed by Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, currently operates flights to Somaliland’s largest city, Hargeisa, as well as Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and four other Somali provincial cities.
In a letter published by Somali state media, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) expressed frustration that Ethiopian Airlines had not addressed previous complaints related to “sovereignty issues.” The SCAA accused the airline of omitting references to Somali destinations and using only airport codes, which they claim undermines Somalia’s sovereignty.
On the Ethiopian Airlines website, Somaliland’s capital Hargeisa is listed without a country, and searching for “Somaliland” yields no results. In contrast, Mogadishu is clearly identified as being in Somalia.
The SCAA also cited increasing complaints from Somali travellers regarding their experiences with Ethiopian Airlines, adding to the growing dissatisfaction.
A separate letter addressed to the Emirati government-owned airline Fly Dubai raised similar concerns. The SCAA demanded that the airline correct “serious violations” and accurately represent Somali destinations in its booking and ticketing systems. Fly Dubai’s website currently lists Hargeisa in Somaliland. The airline had previously suspended its Mogadishu route in June due to security concerns.
The SCAA warned that failure to comply by August 24 would result in the “immediate revocation of Fly Dubai’s operating permit within Somalia.”
These letters follow indirect negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Turkey. Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted “notable progress” in the talks.
Somaliland, although relatively stable compared to the rest of the Horn of Africa, remains unrecognised internationally. Despite having its own institutions, currency, and passports, Somaliland remains isolated, hampering its development despite its strategic location along the straits leading to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.