Mysterious Flight from Ethiopia on March 4, 2024

In this blog, we delve into a recent intriguing event involving Ethiopia, a mysterious flight, and the geopolitical dynamics in the region. On January 1, 2024, a significant development occurred with the signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

The MOU and Ethiopia’s Naval Ambitions

Ethiopia, a landlocked country without direct access to the sea, aimed to address this limitation by signing the MOU with Somaliland. The agreement involved the construction of a naval base in Somaliland, providing Ethiopia with crucial access to the sea. As part of the deal, Ethiopia also agreed to recognize Somaliland as a separate nation—a notable diplomatic shift.

The Delay in MOU Implementation

Despite the initial optimism and commitment to starting MOU implementation within a month, delays occurred. The situation escalated when, recently, a mysterious flight took off from the Ethiopian airforce base in Bishoftu and landed in Hargeisa Somaliland. It happened on March 4.

The Flight Details

The aircraft was a Russian plane, raising questions about the purpose and participants on board. The flight landed in Hara, Somaliland, and returned to Namp Airport. This sequence of events suggests a potential military or diplomatic mission involving discussions on MOU implementation.

Regional Diplomacy and Recent Meetings

To add context, a week before the mysterious flight, a meeting took place in Kenya between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Kenyan President Ruto. The meeting aimed to mediate between Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh, Somalia’s president. However, Hassan Sheikh refused to engage with PM Abiy Ahmed, insisting on withdrawal from the MOU as a precondition.

Ongoing Efforts and Commitment

Despite the challenges and delays in MOU implementation, Ethiopia and Somaliland remain committed to the agreement. Recent collaborative efforts between military officers from both sides indicate a shared determination to move forward.

Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, we will continue to provide updates on the developments surrounding this mysterious flight and the implementation of the MOU. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving dynamics in the region.