Somalia said it would follow through on its threat to punish organisations that label Somaliland or act as if it were an independent region.
Authorities say all companies operating in Somalia must change information on their websites to reflect the Somaliland part by September 10th, 2024.
Also, Somalia’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoCI) has asked companies to remove the name of Somaliland, which has declared independence from online information sites.
The Somaliland Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) also advised airlines operating in Somalia to stop flying to cities outside Somalia, such as Somaliland’s capital, Hargesia.
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But the issue reflects events since January 2 this year, when Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding to give coastal territory to Addis Ababa for the construction of a naval base, ostensibly in exchange for recognition of Somaliland. Somaliland has sought recognition since 1991 without success.
The MoU angered Mogadishu which accused Ethiopia of participating in the elimination of Somalia after protesting at all international meetings.
Ismail Shirwac, first secretary of the Somaliland Liaison Mission in Nairobi, said Somalia should not quarrel with Ethiopia but should address Somaliland’s concerns.
Somalia risks further isolating itself on the world stage as long as it continues to ignore the reality of Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Regionally, Somalia tends to react quickly when countries attempt to treat Somaliland as an independent state. Somalia cuts ties with Kenya in December 2020, accusing Nairobi of interfering in Mogadishu’s internal affairs following the capture of Somaliland’s leader. The relationship was resumed six months later.
