Somaliland has rejected Ethiopia’s warning that recognising its independence could threaten regional security and lead to the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia, arguing that recognition would bring strategic, economic and security benefits.
HARGEISA (Somali Report) — Somaliland has rejected a warning by Ethiopia’s ambassador to Israel that recognising the breakaway region could threaten security in the Horn of Africa and prompt Somalia to demand the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops deployed to fight Al-Shabaab.
Mohamed Omar Haji, Somaliland’s representative in Israel, said the ambassador’s assessment was flawed, arguing that formal recognition would offer Ethiopia significant security, economic and strategic benefits without creating additional security risks.
“I am convinced that the opposite is true,” Haji wrote on X. “Ethiopia can gain enormous strategic, economic and security benefits from recognising Somaliland, without any security threat.”
His remarks followed an interview with Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS in which Ethiopian Ambassador to Israel Tesfaye Yetayeh Anteneh cautioned Addis Ababa against rushing to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has long lacked broad international recognition.
Anteneh argued that recognition could prompt the Somali government to request the departure of Ethiopian forces from its territory, potentially creating opportunities for Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group fighting Somalia’s federal government and its international partners.
He warned that such a development could have repercussions beyond Somalia, affecting Somaliland and Ethiopia itself. The comments highlighted the security considerations facing Ethiopia as it weighs its long-standing interest in securing reliable access to the sea.
Haji countered that Somaliland had demonstrated its ability to maintain security in areas under its control, arguing that it had prevented Al-Shabaab and piracy networks from establishing bases there. He presented this record as evidence that Somaliland could serve as a dependable security partner for Ethiopia.
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The Somaliland representative also questioned why Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia should be treated as an obstacle to recognising the territory.
“African forces cannot be expected to remain in Somalia forever,” he said, calling for planning around the eventual withdrawal of foreign troops.
Haji further argued that formal ties with Somaliland could strengthen Ethiopia’s regional influence, stimulate economic growth and expand its strategic reach across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
The exchange comes amid renewed debate over Ethiopia’s position following Israel’s decision in December 2025 to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first country to do so. The move drew strong objections from Somalia and concern from regional and international actors.
Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2024 under which Ethiopia was expected to gain access to a stretch of coastline, while Somaliland sought recognition of its independence. The agreement triggered a major diplomatic dispute with Mogadishu, which viewed it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The dispute was eased by the Ankara Declaration, brokered by Türkiye in December 2024. Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed their commitment to respecting each other’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and agreed to pursue arrangements for Ethiopia’s access to the sea under Somalia’s sovereign authority.
It remains unclear whether Ethiopia will change its position on Somaliland’s recognition. The latest exchange underscores the competing diplomatic, economic and security interests shaping relations among Ethiopia, Somalia and Somaliland.
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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