The Ethiopian Embassy in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, has apologized for a statement it posted on its official website regarding the new administrative structure established in the Somali Region and issued an explanation.

The statement sparked controversy on social media.

The embassy initially stated in a statement that preparations were being made in Nairobi to celebrate the establishment of the Gura-Damole Zone and Hager Mokor Woreda.

The statement quoted Ambassador Demeke as saying at the event that the structure is a symbol of empowerment and inclusive governance. He described it as a demonstration of the political reforms being undertaken by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

However, the embassy later issued a corrective statement, saying that the original message contained “inaccurate information.”

It also stated that the Somali Region had designated a new zone for the Gura community, but had not given it an official name.