News Desk

In a crucial week for the Horn of Africa, discussions in Washington and New York have brought attention to the growing partnership between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The agreement, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year, grants Ethiopia access to a strategic stretch of the Red Sea coastline, positioning Somaliland as a key player in regional trade and security.

While Somalia has voiced opposition to the MoU, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty, Somaliland has emphasized the agreement’s benefits for regional cooperation and economic growth. The MoU represents a significant step toward Somaliland’s potential recognition as an independent state, as Ethiopia’s involvement in the region underscores the growing legitimacy of Somaliland’s aspirations on the international stage.

Ethiopian officials have firmly rejected Somalia’s accusations of territorial expansion, emphasizing the mutually beneficial nature of the agreement

“This MoU is grounded in the political realities of the region and aims to foster shared prosperity,”

said Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie.

“Somaliland’s role in regional stability and trade cannot be overlooked.”

As tensions rise between Somalia and Ethiopia, Somaliland remains focused on its broader vision of securing economic and diplomatic partnerships that support its quest for recognition. The collaboration with Ethiopia is a key milestone in this effort, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.­