Politics

Ethiopian Airlines under threat from Somalia for ‘sovereignty violations’

Published

4 months ago

August 23, 2024

Ethiopian Airlines flights to and from Somalia have been threatened with suspension by the Somali government unless “violations of Somali sovereignty” about Ethiopian Airlines’ destinations are addressed.

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) noted in a statement that it had previously corresponded with Ethiopian Airlines over the matter as early as August 14. Although it did not disclose specifics, several regional watchers believe it alludes to the airline’s flights to Hargeisa, Somaliland.

“It has come to our attention that, instead of addressing the sovereignty issues outlined in our letter, Ethiopian Airlines has made adjustments to its flight operations by removing references to Somali destinations and retaining only airport codes,” the statement said.

The Somali public has been filing “increasing numbers of complaints” to the SCAA about their travel experiences with Ethiopian Airlines, the agency added.

“If these issues are not resolved by August 23, 2024, SCAA will have no choice but to suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Somalia, effective from that date. This would result in the cessation of Ethiopian Airlines services flights to Somalia.”

According to the SCAA, it won’t provide any advisories regarding upcoming actions. Officials from Ethiopian Airlines were called by VOA’s Horn of Africa Service; they have not yet responded to demands for comment.

However, Getachew Mengiste, the director of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, informs VOA that officials are aware of the problem. They haven’t yet had an official letter from the SCAA, though.

Mengiste promised to talk about the problem, look into its origin, and take appropriate action thereafter. For a long time, Ethiopian Airlines has operated flights to Somaliland.

Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a Memorandum of Understanding in January of this year. According to Hargeisa officials, the agreement would grant the latter recognition in exchange for Ethiopia leasing 20 kilometres of the seafront. This arrangement infuriated Somalia, which saw it as a breach of its sovereignty and territorial unity.

Fly Dubai, an airline operating in the United Arab Emirates, received a similar warning from the SCAA, claiming “serious violations committed by Fly Dubai regarding the representation of destinations served to/from Somalia in your official website, ticket booking platform, and mobile application.”

“These representations blatantly disregard the sovereignty of the Federal Government of Somalia and are unacceptable,” the statement said.

“All destinations to/from Somalia operated by Fly Dubai must clearly and correctly reference the name of the destination along with Somalia on both your official website and mobile application used for ticketing and booking services,” it said, adding, “This must be corrected no later than August 24, 2024.”

If the directive is not followed, Somalia has threatened to cancel Fly Dubai’s operating permit within its borders, “This decision will be enforced without further notice.”

Related Topics:Ethiopia Airline Featured

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Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

In a diplomatic spat over their imprisonment, France and Morocco announced Thursday that four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year had been freed after mediation from Morocco.

They were spies, according to a prior statement made by the director of France’s foreign intelligence organisation, the DGSE.

A request for comment was not answered by the DGSE or a representative of the French military, which is in charge of the agency.

Since December 2023, they have been held in Ouagadougou.

President Emmanuel Macron hailed King Mohammed of Morocco on Wednesday for his intervention, “which made possible the liberation of our four countrymen who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year,” according to a statement from the French administration.

King Mohammed and President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso were also commended by Morocco’s foreign ministry, which stated that “this humanitarian act” was made possible by their positive bilateral ties.

In October, France made peace with Morocco, one of its former protectorates, after three years of hostilities between Paris and Rabat stoked by immigration concerns and the disputed Western Sahara region.

Morocco offers Burkina Faso and other military-ruled Sahel republics Atlantic trade.

However, France’s relations with former West and Central African colonies, such as Burkina Faso, remain difficult. In Ouagadougou, French troops and diplomats were ejected, the defence attache and ambassador were asked to depart, and certain French media were suspended.

The military junta that took control in 2022 in Burkina Faso has been criticized by international rights groups for cracking down on free expression and harassing dissidents to handle a security crisis precipitated by Al Qaeda and Islamic State extremists.

Politics

Ghana: President-elect Mahama appoints anti-corruption team

Published

6 days ago

December 19, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to a statement released by his transition team on Wednesday, Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has designated an anti-corruption committee to investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

When he takes office next month, Mahama, the leading opposition candidate in the presidential election held on December 7 and who received almost 56% of the vote, has pledged to reclaim the proceeds of corruption and hold those responsible for it accountable.

In anticipation, an anti-graft squad has been established. The parliament’s Committee on Assurances, which has previously raised suspicions of governmental corruption, is chaired by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah.

An investigative journalist, a private attorney, a former auditor general, and a former police officer with experience in high-profile robbery cases make up the other three members.

After looking into alleged financial irregularities that took place during the previous administration, Daniel Dumelovo, the former auditor general, was fired.

Recovering lost assets and fighting corruption were two of Mahama’s main campaign pledges.

“He intends to hit the ground running on these commitments,” the statement said.

Eight years after leaving office, former President Mahama is back to head the West African country. Despite not being personally contaminated, he faced criticism during his 2012–2016 administration due to claims of political corruption.