Somaliland President Abdirahmaan Mohamed Abdillaahi (Cirro), alongside Foreign Minister Abdirahmaan Dahir Aadan, hosted Ethiopian Consul Teshome Shunde Hamito at the Presidential Palace, according to an official statement from the Somaliland Presidency.
The meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, maintaining regular bilateral engagements, and addressing cross-border movement and travel facilitation for citizens between the two territories.
“Both sides reaffirmed the importance of deepening diplomatic relations and continuing constructive dialogue on mutual interests,” the Presidency noted, signalling a possible recalibration of Somaliland–Ethiopia relations under President Cirro, who took office in late 2024.
Relations between Somaliland and Ethiopia gained momentum under former President Muse Biihi, especially after the controversial maritime memorandum of understanding signed in early 2024. However, diplomatic intensity has cooled since Cirro’s election.
Notably, the meeting comes against the backdrop of the Ankara Declaration signed in December 2024 between Ethiopia and Somalia under Türkiye’s facilitation. That agreement reaffirmed both countries’ respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Ethiopia pledging to negotiate sea access through Somalia under mutually agreed terms.
According to insider sources, Ethiopia is reportedly preparing to withdraw from the Ankara agreement because the Somali government in Mogadishu has not moved quickly enough to finalize the agreements that would provide Ethiopia with access to the Somali coastline. Frustrated by the slow progress it seems Ethiopia is increasing diplomatic pressure on the Somali government to accelerate the process. However, insiders note that Ethiopia’s actions go beyond diplomatic channels by engaging directly with Somaliland, a region that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory, Ethiopia is effectively interfering in Somali territory.
This move is seen as a violation of international law, as it disregards Somalia’s recognized sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite formal commitments made under the Ankara Declaration. Such interference could further destabilize relations and undermine the diplomatic framework intended to resolve disputes peacefully.
