ALBAWABA- In a new escalation between the two neighborly African countries, Somalia's government has ordered the expulsion of Ethiopia's ambassador and the closure of two consulates, citing Addis Ababa's "blunt interference" in its internal affairs.
This move comes amidst escalating tensions between the two countries over a maritime deal signed by Ethiopia with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The cabinet's statement instructed the foreign ministry to recall the Ethiopian ambassador for consultations and ordered the shutdown of Ethiopian consulates in Somaliland and Puntland, with their diplomats and staff given two weeks to depart.
The Somali cabinet accused Ethiopia of violating Somalia's sovereignty and interfering in its internal affairs, as reported by AFP.
This decision follows a recent visit by a Puntland delegation to Ethiopia, which further strained relations between Mogadishu and Puntland, leading the latter to announce its refusal to recognize federal institutions.
