Friday October 16, 2026
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro said Thursday that Somaliland maintains close relations with Ethiopia and opposes any actions that could threaten its stability or sovereignty.
“Ethiopia is a neighboring nation with whose cooperation we have great confidence. We oppose any interference or act that could threaten its stability and its national existence,” Irro said.
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His remarks followed an Oct. 4 summit in New Alamein, Egypt, attended by leaders of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea, who issued a joint declaration addressing regional security, sovereignty and control of the Red Sea.
The declaration reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity and opposed recognition of Somaliland, while emphasizing that responsibility for Red Sea security and governance should rest with coastal states.
The position carries particular significance for Ethiopia, a landlocked country seeking greater access to the sea and a potential naval presence in the region.
Irro’s remarks underscored differences between Somaliland and Somalia over regional alliances, particularly their approaches to Ethiopia and its maritime ambitions.
Somaliland has maintained close relations with Ethiopia and previously signed a memorandum of understanding with Addis Ababa in January 2024 concerning access to Somaliland’s coastline.
Somalia rejected that agreement as a violation of its sovereignty, maintaining that Somaliland remains part of its territory despite its declaration of independence in 1991.
The latest diplomatic developments come amid escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which have exchanged accusations over military movements, border security and alleged support for armed groups.
The two countries fought a border war from 1998 to 2000, and renewed tensions have raised concerns about another conflict that could destabilize the wider Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s federal government has said it remains neutral in the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute.
Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Mohamed Ali Nadar said Mogadishu maintains relations with both countries and does not want to become involved in their confrontation.
He said Somalia supports peaceful solutions to regional disputes and seeks to protect its national interests while maintaining diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.