Somalia: resumption of direct flights between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa

This is a new stage in the relaxation of the Horn of Africa.

After more than 40 years of interruption, direct flights between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa are about to resume, a link between the capital cities of Somalia and Ethiopia that should relieve passengers.

It is also a strong symbol in this region where geopolitical upheavals succeed one another.

Direct commercial flights between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa ceased in 1977 following the war between Somalia and Ethiopia for the Ogaden border region.

The Ethiopian airline National Airways will finally revive them.

The first flights, which will be daily, must resume during the second week of September.

The company adds that internal connections will also be possible to the Ethiopian cities of Bahir Dar, Dire Dewa, Mekelle and Djidjiga, but also the Somali localities of Garowe, Bosaso and even Hargeisa, capital of the semi-autonomous territory of Somaliland.

Hussein Hosh, director of National Airways, told reporters that Somali contractors were asking for the line to be restored to the Ethiopian government.

The private company adds that this is a good commercial operation.

This choice is made in a very specific diplomatic context.

After years of war, Eritrea and Ethiopia made peace in early July. This followed a historic visit by Somali President Farmajo to Eritrea this time.

The economy of the region is changing and the airlines between Addis and Asmara have resumed.

There is also talk of a pipeline and the strengthening of port cooperation.

In short, the direct connection between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa is part of the boom of the moment.