Mogadishu, SOMALIA – The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has taken a step against Ethiopia by ordering the closure of its consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa. In addition, it has prompted Ethiopia to recall its ambassador to Mogadishu, Mukhtar Mohamed Ware, for consultations. This move comes in response to Ethiopia’s meeting with a delegation of Puntland officials, which the FGS perceives as interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. However, the decision has exposed the complex and often contradictory nature of Somalia’s relationship with Ethiopia, as the FGS heavily relies on Ethiopian forces for protection in several regions.
The FGS’s Dependence on Ethiopian Protection
The Somali government’s accusation of Ethiopian interference in its internal affairs is particularly striking given its heavy reliance on Ethiopian forces for security. Ethiopian troops are currently protecting most districts in the Hiran, Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions, providing crucial support to the FGS in maintaining stability and combating the extremist group Al-Shabab. This dependence on Ethiopian protection raises questions about the FGS’s ability to assert its sovereignty and maintain a consistent stance towards its neighbor.
As tensions between the FGS and Ethiopia escalate, Puntland authorities continue to forge closer ties with their Ethiopian counterparts. Another meeting today between Puntland officials and representatives from the Ethiopian Ministry of Transport and Logistics & the Customs Authority underscores the growing economic cooperation between the two sides. Discussions on collaborating and coordinating efforts to build roads to and from the Garacad Port and facilitating Ethiopia’s utilization of the port demonstrate Puntland’s strategic importance and its desire to assert its economic independence from the FGS.
Puntland and Somaliland’s Likely Defiance
Despite the FGS’s directive to close the Ethiopian consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa, it is unlikely that Puntland and Somaliland will comply with this order. Puntland, having already cut ties with the FGS, is expected to maintain its consulate, which predates the formation of the current federal government. Similarly, Somaliland, which considers itself an independent state, is unlikely to heed the FGS’s call. The Somali government’s threat of legal action against Ethiopian diplomats who refuse to comply with its orders appears to be a hollow one, given the preexisting nature of these consulates and the limited authority of the FGS in these regions.
The FGS’s assertion that the Ethiopian consulates were opened without permission and proper communication with the federal government is questionable, as these diplomatic missions were established before the formation of the FGS. If these consulates have been operating without the FGS’s consent, it is doubtful that Ethiopia will suddenly comply with the closure order simply because the FGS has demanded it. This standoff highlights the complex power dynamics at play in the region and the limitations of the FGS’s authority.
The Need for Dialogue and Reconciliation
The strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, as well as the internal tensions between the FGS and Puntland, underscore the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation. The FGS must recognize the limitations of its authority and the importance of engaging in constructive discussions with Puntland, Somaliland, and other regions to address their concerns and find a mutually beneficial way forward. Simultaneously, Ethiopia must be mindful of Somalia’s sovereignty and work towards building trust and cooperation with the FGS while respecting its internal affairs.
Somalia’s decision against the Ethiopian ambassador and close the consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa has exposed the complex and often contradictory nature of its relationship with Ethiopia. While the FGS accuses Ethiopia of interference, it simultaneously relies heavily on Ethiopian forces for protection. Puntland and Somaliland’s likely defiance of the closure order and Ethiopia’s unlikely compliance further complicate the situation. As Puntland continues to deepen its economic ties with Ethiopia, it is crucial for all parties to engage in dialogue and work towards a resolution that respects Somalia’s sovereignty while addressing the concerns of its federal member states. The international community must support Somalia in this endeavor, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for all Somalis.
