HARGEISA, (HAN) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” returned to Hargeisa on Thursday afternoon after a visit to Addis Ababa that analysts say fell short of the high expectations initially surrounding the trip.
The visit, Cirro’s first to Ethiopia since assuming office, had been anticipated to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Somaliland and Ethiopia — focusing on security cooperation, trade, cross-border movement, and shared regional interests. However, the outcome appeared less impactful than many in Hargeisa had hoped.
Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who accompanied the president, told reporters that discussions had been held with Ethiopian officials but offered few concrete details about the substance or results of the meetings.
The minister described the visit in general diplomatic terms, highlighting “ongoing friendship and mutual respect,” but made no mention of any signed agreements or major breakthroughs.
On Wednesday evening, President Cirro held a dinner meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. Although no official statement has been released from either side, sources close to the delegation said the talks did not result in any formal agreements.
Ethiopian authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have so far remained silent on the visit. Even Cirro’s arrival in Addis Ababa went largely unannounced by Ethiopian state media, and the Ethiopian Foreign Minister, who formally received the Somaliland leader, refrained from making any public remarks about the visit.
Political observers in Hargeisa noted that expectations had been high following months of speculation about a possible new phase in Ethiopia–Somaliland relations. Some had hoped the trip would revive stalled discussions on trade routes or diplomatic recognition following earlier tensions between the two sides.
Instead, Irro’s return to Hargeisa has prompted questions about the current status of Somaliland’s regional diplomacy and whether Addis Ababa is recalibrating its approach toward Hargeisa amid shifting political dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
As of Thursday evening, the Somaliland government had not released a detailed statement outlining the achievements or next steps stemming from the visit.
