Officials from Somaliland and Ethiopia convened in Hargeisa on Thursday to explore ways to enhance military and security collaboration. The meeting focused on strategies to deepen defense ties between the two neighbors.
The talks were attended by Somaliland’s Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali, Ethiopian Ambassador Teshome Shunde Hamito, General Ghabdi, and Colonel Abara. Discussions revolved around bolstering military capacity and improving security cooperation in the region. Somaliland’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
Ethiopia has historically played a significant role in developing Somaliland’s security infrastructure, including training soldiers and police forces. However, last year, Ethiopia terminated a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland under pressure from Somalia’s federal government. The agreement had included controversial provisions allowing Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for support toward Somaliland’s independence.
Recent diplomatic developments have further complicated Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland. A meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa led to the restoration of full diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia. This shift has added challenges to Ethiopia’s collaboration with Somaliland, given Somalia’s stance on Somaliland’s independence aspirations.
The meeting in Hargeisa underscores the ongoing efforts to navigate these complexities while maintaining security cooperation in the region.