The self-declared state of Somaliland has issued a three-week ultimatum to carriers Ethiopian Airlines and Flydubai to re-register Hargeisa and Berbera as destinations within its territory, rather than as part of Somalia.
The move follows the airlines' acquiescence to demands from the Somali government in Mogadishu to remove references to "Somaliland" from their websites, instead listing cities in the breakaway region under "Somalia".
Somaliland's Civil Aviation and Airports Authority confirmed on August 30 that it had re-registered the two cities, but did not specify potential consequences should the airlines fail to comply with its directive.
The Somali government had earlier threatened to revoke the airlines' licences if they did not adhere to its instructions within three days, a move that provoked ire from Somaliland authorities who view it as an infringement on their claimed sovereignty.
Somaliland, with a population of 5.7mn, boasts its own constitution, passport, military, and currency, and conducts regular direct elections. However, its lack of international recognition has hindered its access to funding and aid crucial for economic development.
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