Ethiopia upgrades consulate in Somaliland to full-fledged embassyADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia has reportedly upgraded its consulate in Hargeisa, the regional administrative capital of the Somaliland region, to a full-fledged embassy, which could escalate the existing conflict with Somalia. Ali Mohamed Hassan, alias Ali Marehaan, the minister for information and culture in Somaliland, said Ethiopia had confirmed the new status of relations with Somaliland, adding that this is the 'process towards recognition of Somaliland'. Over the weekend, Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi hinted at the development, as the region celebrated its 33rd independence day. In an interview with the BBC, Ali Hassan Mohamed said the decision by Ethiopia had been announced by Muse Bihi Abdi, adding that the two parties shall recognize each other as sovereign states. Somaliland and Puntland vowed to work closely with Ethiopia on matters of development, ruling out warning from Somalia.

Source: Ethiopian News May 21, 2024 17:27 UTC