Escalating Tensions: Ethiopia's Naval Base Deal with Somaliland Deepens Rift with Somalia

• The diplomatic dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia has escalated due to Ethiopia's deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland, involving the establishment of a naval base and commercial port, which grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. Somalia views this agreement as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Somalia has responded to the deal by expelling Ethiopia's ambassador, recalling its own ambassador from Addis Ababa, and demanding the closure of two Ethiopian consulates. This action highlights the severity of the diplomatic rift, centered on Ethiopia's engagement with Somaliland, which Somalia claims as part of its territory.
• The agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland includes Ethiopia's recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation, a significant shift from Ethiopia's previous stance of not being the first to recognize Somaliland's independence. This move has infuriated the Somali government and is seen as a dramatic escalation in the dispute.
• Another layer of complexity is added by Puntland, a federal member state of Somalia, which has announced a new cooperation agreement with Ethiopia. This development further strains relations as it appears Ethiopia is engaging separately with different regions of Somalia, undermining the federal government's authority.
• The dispute raises concerns about regional security and the potential for it to exacerbate existing tensions and conflicts, including the threat from al-Shabab. The situation highlights the intricate balance of political, territorial, and security issues in the Horn of Africa, with potential wider implications for regional stability and international diplomacy.