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Reading Article – Somaliland, Ethiopia, and Somalia: The Shifting Politics Behind the Red Sea Access Deal
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- Reading Article – Somaliland, Ethiopia, and Somalia: The Shifting Politics Behind the Red Sea Access Deal
As Somaliland’s president arrives in Addis Ababa tomorrow, eyes across the Horn of Africa are fixed on what could become a decisive moment in regional diplomacy. This is the first visit to Ethiopia since his election in November 2024, and it comes amid renewed debate over the controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia last January 2024, a deal that promised Addis access to the Red Sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland.
The trip follows weeks of quiet but intense regional activity. Somaliland’s new administration has already been in the United Arab Emirates, a long-time partner with heavy investments in Berbera Port. Meanwhile, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Addis Ababa earlier this week a move widely seen as a pre-emptive step to shape Ethiopia’s position before Hargeisa’s arrival.