By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA/ HARGEISA —Ethiopia has reportedly rejected a delegation from Somaliland, dealing a major setback to Hargeisa’s diplomatic push for international recognition, according to regional diplomatic sources and reactions from Somaliland’s leadership.
The move underscores growing tension in the Horn of Africa over Somaliland’s bid for statehood following recent diplomatic overtures, most notably Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent nation — a first of its kind.
Ethiopian authorities have denied any formal commitment to recognize Somaliland’s independence despite earlier agreements between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa, diplomats said. The Ethiopian government has reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, in line with African Union principles, and insisted it has not taken steps to grant Somaliland official diplomatic recognition.
In response to Ethiopia’s position, Somaliland President Abdirahman “Cirro” Mohamed Abdillahi expressed disappointment and frustration with what he described as an unexpected shift in Addis Ababa’s approach. President Cirro had been optimistic that international recognition would accelerate after Israel’s December decision, but Ethiopia’s dismissal of Somaliland’s delegation has clouded those prospects.
The diplomatic standoff follows a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024 between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which proposed Ethiopia would gain access to Somaliland’s coastline in return for recognition — a deal fiercely rejected by Somalia and widely viewed as infringing on its sovereignty.
Somalia’s federal government has consistently condemned any moves toward recognizing Somaliland as unconstitutional and harmful to regional stability, aligning with broader international norms that oppose changes to colonial-era borders.
The rejection of the Somaliland delegation by Ethiopia is likely to fuel further diplomatic friction in the Horn of Africa, complicating ongoing regional efforts to balance sovereignty concerns with shifting geopolitical alliances.
