Somalia has turned away a plane transporting officials from Ethiopia to the self-declared republic of Somaliland in a major escalation of the diplomatic row between the countries. The Ethiopian officials were visiting Somaliland to discuss a deal, which has sparked a huge row. Despite this incident, regular flights between the two countries are operating as usual, the SCAA said. By ordering the Ethiopian plane out of its airspace, Somalia is sending a strong message that Somaliland is not an independent country. Amid the row between Somalia and Ethiopia, both the US and the African Union have backed the territorial integrity of Somalia and urged all parties to cool tensions.

Source: Ethiopian News January 17, 2024 14:59 UTC