Ethiopian residents in Somalia are reportedly facing physical violence, verbal threats, and intimidation following the controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The deal, signed on New Year’s Day, allows Ethiopia to lease 20 kilometers around the port of Berbera, granting access to the Red Sea for naval and commercial shipping for 50 years. In return, Ethiopia may consider recognizing Somaliland’s independence, and Somaliland could receive a share in state-owned Ethiopian Airlines. The Somali federal government strongly opposes the agreement, viewing Somaliland as part of its territory, leading to tensions and demonstrations.
Ethiopian refugees and migrants in Somalia are now experiencing anti-Ethiopian sentiment. Reports indicate that they have faced verbal threats, with some expressing concerns about potential deportations due to the territorial dispute. The recent attack in Beled Hawo, where six Ethiopians were among seven killed by suspected al-Shabab militants, adds to the rising tensions.
Sharabi Abdi Burow, an Ethiopian refugee in Bossaso, acknowledged the verbal tension, noting that threats often involve the possibility of deportation. Sakina Aden Bahar, a 40-year-old Ethiopian refugee running a coffee shop in Bossaso, has experienced economic ramifications, as some customers refuse to buy her coffee due to anger over the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s policies.
In response, scholars and community members have advocated for the rights of Ethiopian refugees. Mustafa Yusuf, a lawyer, emphasized their right to basic freedoms, urging against discrimination based on political issues. Somali scholar Hayat Mohamud Abdi stressed that innocent refugees should not be targeted in the maritime dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, urging Somalis to treat Ethiopian guests with empathy.
Ethiopian refugees, primarily ethnic Oromo, have settled in Puntland and Somaliland due to their proximity to the Red Sea. Many aspire to reach the Arabian Peninsula for better opportunities, but financial constraints, travel restrictions, and the conflict in Yemen have left many stranded in Somaliland and Puntland. As tensions persist, the plight of Ethiopian refugees in Somalia raises concerns about their safety and well-being amid the political and territorial disagreements in the region.
