President Cirro of Somaliland must address pressing questions about his priorities: Why is he not prioritising Addis Ababa first?
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” of Somaliland has strategically focused on regional diplomacy as a means to enhance both Somaliland’s economic development and its standing in the international community. His recent visit to Djibouti, followed by engagements in Ethiopia, illustrates a well-considered approach to balancing economic interests with the geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa.
The choice to visit Djibouti prior to heading to Addis Ababa is particularly significant. It highlights President Cirro’s intent to repair and fortify relationships with a pivotal neighbor. Historically, the relationship between Somaliland and Djibouti faced challenges, especially in light of a 2024 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia. This agreement granted Ethiopia access to the strategically important Port of Berbera, which Djibouti has long considered its own economic territory due to its role as Ethiopia’s main maritime outlet. The signing of the MoU was perceived by Djibouti as a direct threat to its own economic interests, escalating tensions between the two nations. Despite the Djibouti government’s opposition to Somaliland’s pursuit of statehood, they have publicly expressed their stance with notable clarity. They have stated that if all 193 member countries of the United Nations were to recognize Somaliland, Djibouti would remain the last country to do so. This position highlights not only their political rivalry but also reflects the complexities of regional dynamics and the challenges faced by Somaliland in its quest for international legitimacy. This clearly highlights that Djibouti aligns itself with our adversary.
By prioritizing dialogue with Djibouti, President Cirro sought to ease these strains and reestablish a foundation for cooperative relations. During discussions, there was a strong emphasis on enhancing collaboration at the parliamentary level, which is crucial for promoting mutual understanding and trust. Furthermore, exploring various avenues for economic partnership was a key component of the talks, signaling both countries’ commitment to not only regional stability but also to the potential for shared growth and prosperity in the face of geopolitical challenges.
Overall, President Cirro’s diplomatic initiatives reflect a nuanced understanding of the interdependencies in the region, and his efforts to consolidate relationships with both Djibouti and Ethiopia could lead to significant advances in Somaliland’s economic agenda and international diplomacy.
Strategic Engagement with Ethiopia
In the wake of President Cirro’s significant diplomatic visit to Djibouti, his focus has now shifted to Ethiopia, a country with which Somaliland shares deep-rooted economic and security ties. The relationship between the two nations has historically been complex, particularly following an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that envisioned the establishment of a naval base for Ethiopia in exchange for the potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty. Unfortunately, this prospective agreement was sidelined due to mounting diplomatic pressures from various stakeholders in the region.
This turn of events led to the Ankara Declaration, which emphasized the importance of respecting the so-called sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations — a framework that does not acknowledge the reality of Somaliland’s independent statehood and is therefore irrelevant to its sovereignty, underscoring the need for mutual respect even in cases of contested sovereignty. Somaliland is a significant entity in the region, and the Ethiopian government must acknowledge and respect Somaliland’s sovereignty and statehood.
Despite these challenges, President Cirro remains steadfast in his commitment to nurturing a resilient partnership with Ethiopia. He has articulated his intentions to advance trade agreements and enhance port operations, particularly by maximizing the strategic advantages offered by the Port of Berbera. This port is crucial for Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, enabling it to efficiently manage its substantial import and export activities. By developing this maritime gateway, President Cirro aims to not only boost Somaliland’s economic prospects but also to solidify Ethiopia’s reliance on Somaliland for its trade needs.
The Case for Djibouti before Addis Ababa
President Cirro’s methodical diplomatic approach—to engage with Djibouti prior to turning his attention to Ethiopia—embodies a calculated realignment of Somaliland’s regional relationships. By prioritizing dialogue and negotiation with Djibouti, a vital neighbouring country, he seeks to mitigate regional tensions that could polarize relationships further. This proactive strategy is designed to promote a sense of cooperation and goodwill, thereby setting a positive and constructive tone for future negotiations with Ethiopia. By addressing Djibouti’s concerns first, President Cirro aims to emerge as a mediator in regional disputes, highlighting Somaliland’s commitment to collaborative diplomacy and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, President Cirro’s diplomatic initiatives signify a strategic effort to establish Somaliland as a proactive and cooperative entity within the broader context of the Horn of Africa. By prioritizing reconciliation with Djibouti and strategically working to solidify economic ties with Ethiopia, he aims to create a strong framework for regional stability. This approach not only seeks to enhance economic development within Somaliland but also plays a crucial role in advancing its ongoing quest for international recognition. By building strong, strategic alliances, President Cirro is positioning Somaliland to thrive amidst the complexities of regional dynamics, ultimately aiming for a more stable and prosperous future.
Eng. Abdi Ali Barkhad
Independent Political Analyst: Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a Consultant Somali electrical engineer, political analyst, and writer known for his comprehensive commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published numerous articles analysing current policies in the region and is a staunch advocate for the cause of the Republic of Somaliland. His insights have been featured on platforms such as Araweelo News Network and etc.
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad Hargeisa Somaliland Contact Email: tra50526@gmail.com 24/5/2025.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
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