According to sources within the Somaliland presidency, President Irro is seeking a “first-hand discussion” with PM Abiy on the MoU signed on 1 January 2024 between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

The agreement, signed under former President Muse Bihi Abdi, granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease on a stretch of Somaliland’s coastline on the Gulf of Aden in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence — a move that triggered strong opposition from Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.

“President Irro is committed to securing Somaliland’s full international recognition — nothing less than that,” an aide to the president, who requested anonymity, told our reporter. “He wants clarity and direct engagement with the Ethiopian leadership before moving forward.”

The MoU, which remains pending implementation, has been a central focus of Irro’s early diplomatic efforts since taking office.

Last month, during a visit to neighbouring Djibouti, Irro held discussions with Ethiopian diplomats led by Kebede Abera Ido, Ethiopia’s Deputy Ambassador to Djibouti.

Their talks covered regional security, Red Sea maritime access, trade corridors, and investment opportunities.

“The President discussed with the Ambassadors the development of the region’s economy, investment opportunities, trade facilitation, infrastructure, and increased humanitarian aid,” said Hussein Aden Ige, spokesperson for the Somaliland presidency, in a May statement.

Deputy Ambassador Kebede confirmed Ethiopia’s interest in deepening cooperation with Somaliland, particularly in areas of trade and security.

Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has long sought alternative routes for sea access to enhance its import and export capabilities.

In a sign of intensifying international outreach, President Irro also met with foreign diplomats in Nairobi last week, where he reiterated Somaliland’s longstanding call for international recognition.

“We have not come to Nairobi today with a begging bowl,” Irro told the gathering. “We are not looking for handouts. We are here to build genuine partnerships with governments, investors, and institutions that understand the value of mutual benefit.”

Among many Somalilanders, hopes remain high that Ethiopia’s engagement could be a breakthrough toward international recognition, a goal that has eluded the self-declared republic since its separation from Somalia in 1991.

Irro’s administration appears determined to capitalise on this momentum, even amid diplomatic tensions with Mogadishu.

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Djibouti’s government has described the visit as a reflection of shared goals and longstanding friendship between the two sides.

President Irro was welcomed at Djibouti’s international airport by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, who praised the visit as a gesture of goodwill and mutual interest.

“On behalf of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, this visit symbolizes trust and friendship,” said Prime Minister Kamil. “In a world filled with uncertainty, this meeting reflects both sides’ commitment to building bridges, enhancing dialogue, and promoting peace.”

Irro then met president Guelleh in the presidential palace.

During the three-day visit, President Irro is scheduled to hold talks with President Guelleh, following an official invitation extended by Djibouti.

The agenda is expected to focus on repairing ties that soured after Somaliland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia in January 2024.

READ MORE: Somaliland protests against Djibouti’s alleged sabotage of Ethiopia MOU

That deal, signed under former President Muse Bihi Abdi, offered Ethiopia port access and potentially a naval presence along Somaliland’s coast—moves Djibouti strongly opposed.

Djiboutian officials saw the MoU as a threat to their economic lifeline.

Nearly 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports pass through Djibouti’s ports, especially the Port of Doraleh, making Ethiopia its largest customer and a pillar of the country’s economy.

Somaliland, strategically located next to both Djibouti and Ethiopia, offers a shorter route to the Red Sea via the ports of Berbera and Zeila.

Over the past several years, Somaliland has invested heavily in modernizing its Berbera Port, positioning it as a viable alternative for Ethiopia’s trade needs.

While in Djibouti, President Irro is also expected to discuss cross-border security cooperation, trade integration, and the possible revival of the stalled talks between Somaliland and Somalia, which Hargeisa suspended earlier this year.

Both Djibouti and Somaliland are competing to serve Ethiopia’s growing trade demands. Ethiopia, in turn, has been actively pursuing a port under its full control and is reportedly interested in establishing a military base on the Red Sea.

President Irro has signaled that Somaliland is prepared to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement with Ethiopia later this year.

Following his visit to Djibouti, he is expected to travel to Addis Ababa for an official visit, where discussions will likely focus on security and economic cooperation.

Despite Somaliland’s lack of international recognition, President Irrojust last week emphasized that his administration remains open to forging strong bilateral ties.

“I thank the countries that have maintained security and economic relations with us, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan,” he said.

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