Ethiopian government left red-faced after leaving Somalia off online map of Africa

Ethiopian government left red-faced after leaving Somalia off online map of Africa

Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry has made one hell of a gaffe, posting a map of Africa on its web page that failed to include neighbouring country Somalia.

Morad News was first in pointing out the embarrassing blunder on social media, with the map appearing to incorporate a large chunk of Somalia into Ethiopian territory and recognising Somalia as an independent country.

Soon after the mistake was highlighted, Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry removed the inaccurate map from its website, replacing it with the ministry’s logo.

https://twitter.com/MoradNews/status/1132571797205991425

The Foreign Ministry also issued a statement acknowledging that the map, which it claims “crept” onto its website, was “wrong and unacceptable”.

“Upon becoming aware of the matter, we have immediately removed it from our website. Please be assured that our ICT team is working to ensure the security of the website.

“We sincerely regret for any confusion and misunderstanding this incident might have caused.”

The two countries have shared a long and fierce rivalry, with border wars between Ethiopia and Somalia dating back to 1964.

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