Ethiopia’s ambassador to Israel warns that recognising Somaliland could prompt Somalia to demand the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, potentially giving Al-Shabaab greater room to operate.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia has warned that recognising Somaliland could prompt Somalia to demand the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from its territory, potentially creating opportunities for Al-Shabaab militants to expand attacks across the region.
Tesfaye Yetayeh Anteneh, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Israel, outlined the security concerns in an interview with Israeli television channel i24NEWS, explaining why Addis Ababa has refrained from following Israel in recognising Somaliland.
“If Ethiopia recognises Somaliland, for example, the Somali government will demand that Ethiopia withdraw its troops from Somalia,” Anteneh said, according to remarks reported by Somali media.
He warned that such a development could weaken security cooperation against Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group that has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade.
“Al-Shabaab will have an opportunity to attack Somalia and Somaliland more easily,” he said.
Anteneh cautioned that the consequences of such a move could extend beyond Somalia and Somaliland, potentially affecting security inside Ethiopia as well.
He urged Ethiopia not to rush into recognising Somaliland, saying the issue required careful consideration of its possible security implications.
The comments highlight the competing considerations facing Ethiopia as it seeks access to the sea while maintaining relations with Somalia, whose government considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. It has since operated with its own administration, security forces and institutions but has not received broad international recognition.
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Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has added a new dimension to the dispute, prompting renewed scrutiny of the diplomatic and security consequences for the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia, one of the region’s most populous landlocked countries, has long sought reliable access to maritime trade routes. Its pursuit of access through Somaliland has previously strained relations with Mogadishu.
In January 2024, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that included provisions for potential access to the sea. Somalia strongly opposed the agreement, describing it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two countries later signed the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, committing to pursue commercial arrangements that would give Ethiopia access to the sea under Somalia’s sovereign authority.
Ethiopian troops have also played a significant role in security operations in Somalia, including efforts to combat Al-Shabaab. Their presence has formed part of broader regional efforts to support Somali forces against the insurgency.
Anteneh’s remarks suggest that Addis Ababa is weighing the potential diplomatic gains of recognising Somaliland against the risk of damaging security cooperation with Mogadishu.
The ambassador’s comments do not indicate that Ethiopia has ruled out recognition permanently, but underscore the security concerns it says must be considered before taking such a step.
Ethiopia’s position comes amid heightened regional tensions over Somaliland’s international status and competing interests in access to the Red Sea. Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025, becoming the first country to do so, a move rejected by Somalia and criticised by regional organisations.
The debate over recognition remains closely linked to questions of sovereignty, maritime access and regional security, with Ethiopia’s latest comments underscoring the potential implications for its military cooperation with Somalia.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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