HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Africa is expected to play a significant role in Somaliland’s efforts to secure international recognition, according to political analyst and Somaliland advocate Sharmake Ali.
In an interview with The Reporter newspaper, Ali discussed Ethiopia’s renewed diplomatic engagement with Somalia, its relationship with Somaliland and the future of Somaliland’s recognition efforts.
Ali is a political analyst specializing in East African affairs, with a particular focus on Somaliland. He has spent more than a decade advocating for Somaliland’s international recognition in the United Kingdom.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Public Policy from universities in the United Kingdom. His work focuses on the political, legal and diplomatic issues surrounding Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa.
In the interview, Ali examined the implications of Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland and Somalia. He also discussed the diplomatic priorities of Somaliland’s new administration under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro).
How does the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement align with Ethiopia’s relationship with Somalia? Can the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia be considered a diplomatic victory for Somalia?
Ethiopia has consistently maintained that its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland does not violate Somalia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Somaliland, however, presents a distinct political and legal case for international recognition. Its claim is based on the borders it inherited when it gained independence from Britain on June 26, 1960.
The agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia is a positive development. It could also help reduce regional tensions by addressing Somalia’s concerns.
However, I believe the agreement represents a diplomatic victory for Ethiopia rather than Somalia. Ethiopia has managed to secure its strategic interests while making diplomatic progress with Mogadishu.
How should Somaliland manage its relationship with Ethiopia following the agreements between Ethiopia and Somalia?
Somaliland should maintain the approach adopted by successive administrations. This approach is based on good neighbourly relations, regional stability and shared economic prosperity.
At the same time, Somaliland must continue to protect its national interests. Like any state pursuing its political objectives, it should seek partnerships with countries willing to support its development and international aspirations.
Maintaining constructive relations with Ethiopia remains important for both sides.
How could the agreements between Ethiopia, Somaliland and Somalia affect regional stability?
Somaliland and Ethiopia have shared historical ties for thousands of years. Their relationship has not always been peaceful, but the two sides have developed closer relations over the past 34 years.
They have built stronger diplomatic and economic connections. This relationship reflects a growing understanding that regional security, stability and prosperity depend on cooperation between neighbouring countries.
The recent diplomatic developments therefore present both opportunities and challenges for the wider Horn of Africa.
How might Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland affect Somaliland’s international recognition efforts?
Somaliland values its historic relationship with Ethiopia. It would welcome Ethiopia becoming the first country to formally recognize Somaliland.
However, Somaliland’s efforts to secure international recognition are not limited to Ethiopia.
We believe Somaliland has a strong legal, moral and political case for recognition. Its historical background, geographical position and political development provide important foundations for its international aspirations.
Somaliland should therefore continue engaging with other countries and international partners.
What challenges could arise from Ethiopia maintaining diplomatic relations with both Somaliland and Somalia?
Ethiopia’s engagement with both Somaliland and Somalia could create a strategic opportunity for regional cooperation.
However, managing these relationships will require careful diplomacy. Ethiopia must balance its interests with the political concerns of both sides.
This approach is particularly important as international powers review their policies towards the Horn of Africa.
There was also growing discussion about how a second Trump administration might approach US policy towards Somalia and Somaliland. These developments could influence regional diplomatic calculations.
Could the agreements create opportunities for trilateral cooperation, or might they deepen divisions?
Trilateral cooperation could become possible in the future if the political issues between Somaliland and Somalia are resolved.
However, meaningful cooperation will remain difficult while the two sides maintain fundamentally different positions on sovereignty and political status.
Somaliland will continue to defend its position and pursue its international recognition goals.
There are reports that Somaliland’s new president is not interested in the MoU with Ethiopia. Is the agreement still in place?
These reports are incorrect, according to my understanding.
President Irro has repeatedly stated that his administration would review the MoU before making a final decision.
Statements from the president and his officials indicate their willingness to maintain constructive relations with Ethiopia and pursue mutually beneficial arrangements.
It is also important to remember that the new administration had been in office for only one month at the time of this interview. The transition process was still underway.
A comprehensive assessment of the agreement therefore required time and further consultation.
How does Somaliland’s new administration view relations with Ethiopia? Have officials established contact with Ethiopian counterparts?
President Irro considers Ethiopia one of Somaliland’s closest regional partners.
His administration has expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two sides.
The government also hopes that closer engagement will contribute to Somaliland’s efforts to secure formal international recognition.
The president and his team have maintained contact with Ethiopian officials, both before taking office and during the early period of the new administration.
These engagements reflect the importance Somaliland places on its relationship with Ethiopia.
What plans does Somaliland’s new government have for achieving international recognition?
The new administration had not yet presented a comprehensive strategy for achieving international recognition at the time of the interview.
The foreign minister also acknowledged this during his confirmation speech to Parliament.
However, I expect the government to build its diplomatic strategy around several important strengths.
These include Somaliland’s legal case for recognition, its strategic geographical position, its democratic institutions and its natural resources.
Africa is expected to play a significant role in this administration’s pursuit of international recognition.
Early indications suggest that the government will focus on building new partnerships and strengthening existing relations across the continent.
Given President Irro’s background as a career diplomat, I expect diplomacy to play a central role in the administration’s foreign policy.
A well-coordinated diplomatic team will be important in advancing Somaliland’s international recognition efforts.
Source: The Reporter Ethiopia
Interview by: Sisay Sahlu
HornPost – Hargeisa, Somaliland
