The 3rd Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Dialogue was convened on May 22, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This important regional meeting focused on the theme “Navigating Gulf-Horn Economic and Security Cooperation: Opportunities.” It aimed to promote collaboration among countries bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with discussions centered on enhancing economic ties, improving security measures, and exploring new avenues for cooperation in these strategic maritime regions.
However, it’s worth noting that the Republic of Somaliland, a territory located primarily along the Gulf of Aden, was notably excluded from the Dialogue. This absence raises questions about representation and the inclusivity of regional discussions, particularly given Somaliland’s significant geographical and socio-economic ties to the areas under review. The outcomes of this Dialogue may have important implications for the future of regional cooperation and stability in the Horn of Africa and surrounding waters.
Addis Ababa played host to the 3rd Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Dialogue, themed “Navigating Gulf-Horn Economic and Security Cooperation: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions.” This event brought together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among neighboring countries.
In his opening remarks, Executive Director Jafar Bedru stressed that the dialogue serves as a platform for fostering meaningful engagement among participants, building mutual understanding, and advancing a collective vision for regional peace, security, and shared prosperity. The discussions were aimed at addressing the various challenges that confront the region while identifying opportunities for cooperation.
Somaliland holds a strategic position within the Gulf of Aden, a location of increasing geopolitical significance. However, a pressing concern arises regarding the Somaliland government’s strategy concerning the ongoing dialogues about regional security and economic cooperation. Specifically, questions emerge about whether the Somaliland authorities were included in these critical discussions and decisions.
Ethiopia, as a key player in regional matters, has been actively engaging in conversations that pertain to the Gulf of Aden, and it is striking that Somaliland seems to be marginalized in these dialogues. This draws attention to the broader implications of Somaliland’s exclusion, particularly in how it might affect its sovereignty and legitimacy in the eyes of neighboring countries and international actors.
Historically, the sovereignty and statehood of Somaliland have often been overlooked by its neighbours, notably by the Ethiopian government, which raises concerns about the future of regional collaboration. The Somaliland government must advocate for its interests in matters of maritime security and economic development. Engagement in these discussions is vital for ensuring that Somaliland’s voice is heard, and its role in the regional discourse is acknowledged.
The strategic significance of maritime security in the Gulf of Aden, this situation cannot be ignored. The Somaliland government must take proactive steps to address its exclusion and assert its position, emphasizing the importance of its participation in dialogues that directly impact both its stability and the prosperity of the region as a whole.
Here is all the dialogue 1, and 2 details
1st Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Dialogue
The inaugural dialogue was convened by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) as part of its regional consultations. While the exact date of the first dialogue The inaugural First Red Sea Dialogue Series took place at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 20-23, 2023.
2nd Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Dialogue
The second dialogue took place on May 30, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA). Themed “The Need for Regional Cooperation at a Time of Geopolitical Shifts”, it gathered scholars, officials, and experts to discuss maritime security and economic prospects in the strategic Red Sea region. Key topics included the evolving security landscape, access to seaports, gaps in the existing regional security framework, and models of successful regional maritime cooperation.
- The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Dialogue series serves as a pivotal platform for encouraging regional cooperation among countries bordering these strategic waterways. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are strategically important waterways, and any dialogue related to them would likely involve countries bordering these waters. These dialogues address critical issues such as maritime security, economic integration, and geopolitical stability.
Eng. Abdi Ali Barkhad
Independent Political Analyst: Engineer 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 Araweelo News Network.
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad Hargeisa Somaliland Contact Email: tra50526@gmail.com 26/5/2025.
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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