Mohamoud Walaaleye
In a sharp rebuke, the Somaliland government has accused the Federal Government of Somalia of derailing long-standing dialogue efforts by interfering in the Sool and Sanaag regions, violating the foundational principles of bilateral talks. The statement comes amid escalating tensions and growing regional complexities in the Horn of Africa, with Somaliland reinforcing its strategic partnership with Ethiopia.
In an exclusive interview with Galaydh Media, Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi (Looge), criticized Somalia’s actions, particularly in Laascanod and Sanaag, as a deliberate breach of trust. “The basis of our dialogue was mutual respect and equality, with Somalia agreeing not to interfere in Somaliland’s borders as established by the British,” Looge said. “But Somalia’s incursion into Laascanod, sparking conflict, and its actions in Sanaag have shattered the principles of equal negotiation. The path to dialogue no longer seems viable.”
The minister’s remarks echo sentiments expressed by Somaliland’s Information Minister, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali, who recently accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of orchestrating unrest in eastern Sanaag to destabilize Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition. He claim these actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Somaliland’s sovereignty, particularly as its diplomatic efforts gain traction globally.
Amid strained relations with Mogadishu, Somaliland is doubling down on its strategic alliance with Ethiopia. Minister Looge revealed that President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is set to visit Addis Ababa soon to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The agenda includes strengthening bilateral ties, exploring potential agreements, and advancing the mutual understanding established in a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU, which reportedly grants Ethiopia port access in exchange for potential recognition, has been a flashpoint in regional geopolitics, drawing ire from Somalia and Egypt.
The Somaliland-Ethiopia partnership is seen as a critical step for both nations. For landlocked Ethiopia, access to Somaliland’s Berbera Port offers a vital trade route, while Somaliland views Ethiopia’s support as a pathway to international recognition, a goal it has pursued since declaring independence in 1991. Recent reports suggest that Ethiopia and Somaliland are nearing a historic deal that could fast-track Somaliland’s recognition, with leaked intelligence indicating possible U.S. and Israeli backing.
Somaliland’s President Irro has emphasized peaceful conflict resolution, citing initiatives in Sool and Sanaag, including the demobilization of over 6,000 armed civilians, as evidence of Somaliland’s commitment to stability, adds Minister Looge.
As Somaliland strengthens ties with Ethiopia and engages with global powers like Qatar and the EU, its push for recognition gains momentum. President Irro’s recent visit to Qatar was hailed as a diplomatic milestone, signaling Somaliland’s growing international presence.
With dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia at a standstill, and regional tensions simmering, the upcoming Irro-Abiy summit could prove pivotal in reshaping the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical landscape. As Minister Looge concluded, “Somaliland remains open to dialogue, but only on terms of equality and respect. For now, our focus is on building partnerships that advance our sovereignty and regional stability.”