Addis Abeba– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia has declared an Ethiopian diplomat persona non grata, ordering him to leave the country within 72 hours, stating he “engaged in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic role.”
In a statement on 29 October, 2024, the Ministry said Ali Mohamed Adan, who serves as Counselor II at the Ethiopian embassy in Somalia, was declared persona non grata—a diplomatic term meaning “person not welcome”—for “activities incompatible with his diplomatic role.”
“Mr. Adan’s actions constitute a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, specifically Articles 41 and 42,” the statement read.
The articles referenced by the ministry require foreign diplomats to “respect the laws of the host nation and abstain from involvement in its internal affairs.”
Mr. Adan, the Ministry said, has been given a 72-hour notice to depart Somalia, adding that this step reflects Somalia’s “commitment to upholding international diplomatic standards” and protecting its national sovereignty.
This decision, the Ministry noted, reaffirms Somalia’s stance on maintaining “integrity in diplomatic engagements” amid ongoing regional diplomatic dynamics.The ministry did not provide specific details about the alleged violations that led to the expulsion order.
The decision by Somalia to expel the Ethiopian diplomat comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries that began in January 2024 following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which aims to grant Ethiopia sea access in return for potential recognition.
Earlier in April 2024, the Ministry issued a similar statement confirming Ethiopia’s Ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware “has been informed to depart from Somalia within the next 72 hours.”
The Ministry also said at the time that its Ambassador to Addis Abeba is “summoned back to Mogadishu for comprehensive consultations.”
This latest escalation adds to previous developments, including Somalia’s announcement that Ethiopia will not be part of AU-led forces set to replace ATMIS, despite being the main contributor in previous deployments.
The country’s military bilateral agreement with Egypt and Egypt’s subsequent deployment of military personnel and equipment to Mogadishu, which prompted Ethiopia to describe the transition from ATMIS as “fraught with dangers” for the region, have further complicated matters.
Somalia also held a tripartite summit in early October in Asmara with Egypt and Eritrea, where they agreed on measures to enhance Somalia’s “capacity to protect its land and sea borders.” AS
