The Government of Somalia has declared a senior official of the Ethiopian embassy in the country a persona non grata.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Adan, who has been serving as Counselor II was reportedly involved in activities that are contrary to his diplomatic role.
The ministry further said that these activities breach Articles 41 and 42 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
Adan has 72 hours to leave the country.
“These actions constitute a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), particularly Articles 41 and 42, which mandate diplomats to respect the laws of the host nation and abstain from involvement in its internal affairs,” the ministry said in a statement.
“As a result, Ali Mohamed Adan has been declared persona non grata and is required to depart Somalia within 72 hours of receiving this notice.”
Somalia insisted that the action is part of the firm measures it has taken to safeguard national interests and uphold international diplomatic standards.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move also underscores Somalia's commitment to protecting its Sovereignty and adhering to international law.
“This action reaffirms Somalia's dedication to maintaining international diplomatic protocols and upholding its national sovereignty.”
The move is, however, seen by analysts as a further escalation of the dwindling diplomatic ties between the two nations over time.
This was further made worse at the beginning of the year when Ethiopia signed a 50-years port deal with breakaway region Somaliland, which Somalia insists is part of it.
Somalia views the MoU, signed in January, as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity
Somaliland, though not internationally recognised by many countries has maintained its independence since the 1990s.
Several international organisations including the UN have called for a peaceful resolution to the tension.
Despite two rounds of mediated talks by Turkey yielding no results, Somalia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Omar Balcad insists that effective dialogue hinges on addressing issues of Somalia's sovereignty infringement and restoring trust.
