NAIROBI, Kenya (KAAB TV) – Ethiopia is considering the recognition of Somaliland as an independent country, according to diplomatic sources.
This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in January, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea.
As per Somaliland officials, this agreement requires Addis Ababa to officially recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Tarekegn Bululta, Ethiopia’s Minister of State of Industry, expressed optimism about the potential recognition.
“I have confidence in that as well. Ethiopia will be the first to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state. Our economic and military alliance will follow,” he said.
The announcement coincides with reports within the diplomatic community suggesting that Ethiopia is on the verge of officially recognizing Somaliland’s independence.
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi also voiced his expectations. “I am expecting that Addis Ababa will give full recognition to Somaliland,” he stated.
The Somali government in Mogadishu has been at odds with Addis Ababa since the MOU was signed, and relations between the two sides have deteriorated since April.
Despite this, Ethiopia maintains its ties with Puntland and Somaliland and continues to participate in the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) peacekeeping efforts.