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.
Related Articles
Cassava launches Africa’s first telecom AI exchange linking OpenAI, Google and Anthropic
Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology and telecoms infrastructure firm, has unveiled the Cassava AI Multi-Model Exchange (CAIMEx) — a platform designed to give African mobile-network ... more
Burkina Faso reaches IMF staff-level deal on ECF review and $122.7mn climate facility
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Burkina Faso have reached a staff-level agreement on economic and financial policies under the fourth review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and a ... more
Nigeria seizes record 1-tonne cocaine shipment worth $15mn at Lagos’ Tin Can Port
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 1,000kg (1 tonne) of cocaine concealed inside a shipping container at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, in what officials ... more