Friday 12 April , 2024 {HMC} In a bold move, Ethiopian consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa defy Somalia’s directive to shut down, highlighting the escalating tensions between the two neighboring nations. Despite Somalia’s order to close the consulates, Ethiopia maintains their operations, sparking a diplomatic standoff.
The closure order issued by Somalia comes amidst strained relations between the two countries, exacerbated by territorial disputes and political disagreements. Ethiopia’s refusal to comply with the closure order underscores its firm stance on maintaining a presence in these regions.
The decision to keep the consulates open signifies Ethiopia’s strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions of Puntland (where Garowe is located) and Somaliland (where Hargeisa is situated). These regions hold significant geopolitical importance for Ethiopia, serving as trade routes and offering strategic access to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Ethiopia’s defiance of Somalia’s directive is likely to further escalate tensions and could potentially lead to diplomatic repercussions between the two nations. The international community closely watches this development, concerned about the implications for regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
