Somali Government Threatens Ethiopian Airlines with Suspension Amid Sovereignty Dispute

The Somali government has issued a stern ultimatum to Ethiopian Airlines, threatening to suspend all flights to Somalia if concerns over “violations of Somali sovereignty” are not addressed. 

The warning was delivered through a statement by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), marking the latest chapter in a simmering dispute over airline operations to Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia does not recognise.

The SCAA’s statement, dated August 22, 2024, referenced prior communications with Ethiopian Airlines, particularly a letter sent on August 14. 

According to the East African Times, details of the correspondence were not fully disclosed, but regional observers suggest that the controversy centres on Ethiopian Airlines’ flights to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. 

The SCAA expressed its displeasure, stating that instead of resolving the sovereignty issues raised, Ethiopian Airlines had merely altered its flight operations by omitting references to Somali destinations and retaining only airport codes.

The Somali authority also noted an “increasing number of complaints” from Somali citizens regarding their travel experiences with Ethiopian Airlines. 

The statement made it clear that if the issues remain unresolved by August 23, 2024, the SCAA would suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Somalia. 

This suspension, it warned, would be enforced immediately, leading to a complete cessation of Ethiopian Airlines services within Somalia.

The SCAA emphasised that there would be no further warnings regarding the steps it might take if its demands were not met. 

The dispute draws attention to the complex geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly regarding the recognition of Somaliland. 

Ethiopian Airlines has been operating flights to Somaliland for many years, and in January 2024, Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. 

This agreement, which reportedly involves leasing a 20-kilometre stretch of seafront to Ethiopia, sparked anger in Mogadishu, where Somali officials viewed it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Somali government’s grievances extend beyond Ethiopian Airlines. The SCAA issued a similar warning to Fly Dubai, accusing the UAE-based airline of “serious violations” related to the representation of Somali destinations on its website and booking platforms. 

Somalia demanded that Fly Dubai accurately represent all destinations in Somalia, with explicit references to the country’s name. 

Fly Dubai was given until August 24, 2024, to comply with this directive or risk having its operating permit within Somalia revoked.

As of the time of reporting, Ethiopian Airlines officials had not responded to requests for comment. 

However, Getachew Mengiste, the Director of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, acknowledged awareness of the issue but indicated that they had not received any official communication from the SCAA. 

He noted that Ethiopian officials would investigate the matter and provide a response in due course.