Somalia/Somaliland/Ethiopia: Somaliland is keen to receive recognition

According to DW reporting on 17 May 2024, Somaliland is determined to receive recognition of statehood from Ethiopia despite the fact that there are serious pushbacks from Somalia and the global community.

World Watch Research analyst Yonas Dembele comments: “The Horn of Africa is one of the most strategically important areas for global trade and shipping. As a result, it has been highly attractive for international powers, both from the West and the East. However, it is also one of the most unstable regions in the world. Somalia, for instance, has been a failed state for over three decades, and Somaliland has been a de facto independent state for the same length of time. Some may wonder why the agreement being negotiated between Ethiopia and Somaliland should have any major regional consequences: The fact is that Somalia has vowed to defend its sovereignty at any cost and the president of Somalia has been touring Egypt and other countries in the world to gain strong military and diplomatic support. Ethiopia itself has played a major role in supporting the government of Somalia for years by sending its own troops in to help combat al-Shabaab militants. The clash between Somalia and Ethiopia could potentially bring about the total collapse of the Somali federation and could also strengthen al-Shabaab. Since the latter has vowed to target Christians on many occasions, any strengthening of al-Shabaab is of significant concern to the tiny, hidden Christian minority and to others concerned about the stability of the region.”