Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi visits Djibouti amid regional tensions, Horn of Africa realignment
The trip signals Somaliland's intent to reassert its regional presence and deepen ties amid shifting alliances in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi "Irro" arrived in Djibouti on Wednesday evening for a three-day official visit, marking his first major diplomatic outreach since taking office.
The trip signals Somaliland's intent to reassert its regional presence and deepen ties amid shifting alliances in the Horn of Africa.
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President Abdirahman was welcomed at Djibouti International Airport by Prime Minister Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, who—speaking on behalf of President Ismail Omar Guelleh—hailed the visit as a sign of regional goodwill.
"In a world clouded by uncertainty, this visit is a testament to the desire of both sides to build bridges, strengthen dialogue, and consolidate peace," the Prime Minister stated.
The visit follows a period of diplomatic strain between Somaliland and Djibouti, triggered by a controversial agreement signed in early 2024 between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
The pact includes provisions for Ethiopian access to Somaliland's Berbera Port, and possible military cooperation—moves that Djibouti publicly opposed.
The agreement challenged Djibouti's dominant role in Ethiopian trade logistics, as over 95 per cent of Ethiopia's imports and exports currently transit through Djiboutian ports.
According to Somali news outlet Hiiraan, President Irro is expected to meet with President Guelleh during his stay to discuss three key issues: regional security cooperation, cross-border trade, and the possible revival of the long-stalled Somaliland-Somalia talks. The broader objective appears to be regional de-escalation, even as both Djibouti and Somaliland jockey for greater economic influence over Ethiopia's access to the Red Sea.
Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic not internationally recognised, has been heavily promoting the Berbera Port—modernised with UAE investment—as a viable alternative trade corridor for landlocked Ethiopia.
President Abdirahman's push to diversify Somaliland's partnerships comes at a moment when Red Sea geopolitics are intensifying, and regional actors are repositioning themselves in anticipation of a reshaped economic landscape.
Following the Djibouti visit, he is scheduled to travel to Addis Ababa for discussions on economic and security cooperation.
He has hinted at a major trade agreement with Ethiopia to be signed before year-end—a deal that could significantly elevate Somaliland's role in regional commerce.
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