MOGADISHU, Somalia — In an effort to address long-standing diplomatic and symbolic issues, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, announced plans to move the Ethiopian embassy from its current location within the National Presidency to its original, now vacant, site.
During a media briefing, Minister Fiqi stressed the importance of respecting the sentiments of the Somali people who view the presence of a foreign embassy within their presidential compound as inappropriate.
“We will work to rebuild its former land which is now vacant,” he stated, outlining the government’s intention to restore and relocate the embassy to its official headquarters.
Moreover, Fiqi hinted at a reciprocal challenge to Ethiopia, suggesting that Somalia might request similar treatment for its embassy in Addis Ababa. “The government of Somalia will present a challenge to Ethiopia, which is to request the Somali embassy to be given land in the country’s presidency, just like the current location of their embassy,” he elaborated.
This move underscores the ongoing tensions and diplomatic maneuvers between Somalia and Ethiopia, highlighting a push for sovereignty and equitable diplomatic relations.
