President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro engaged in diplomatic meetings with officials from the United Kingdom and Ethiopia, highlighting international recognition of Somaliland’s leadership transition and its growing role in regional affairs.
Irro’s meeting with Ilyas Malik, head of the British office in Hargeisa, and his deputy Christina Topell, focused on enhancing cooperation in governance, economic development, and regional stability. The UK delegation conveyed congratulations from their government and expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Somaliland.
The discussions underscored the UK’s support for Somaliland’s development, with both sides exploring collaborative initiatives to promote sustainable growth and stability in the region.
Engagement with Ethiopian Diplomats
Later in the day, Irro met Ethiopian Ambassador Teshoma Shunde Hamito and other senior officials, including the defense attaché and deputy ambassador. The Ethiopian delegation delivered a congratulatory message from their government and discussed shared priorities such as regional security, trade, and bilateral cooperation.
These talks emphasized the strategic importance of Somaliland-Ethiopia relations, which have grown closer in recent years.
Diplomatic Context and Controversy
President-elect Irro was joined in both meetings by Vice President-elect Mohamed Ali Awabdi and WADANI Party General Secretary Khadar Abdi. The diplomatic engagements are seen as a step forward in Somaliland’s international outreach.
However, Ethiopia’s relations with Somaliland have sparked controversy. Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to a 20-kilometer stretch of coastal land in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s unilateral independence, declared in 1991.
The MoU has caused friction with Somalia, which views the agreement as a violation of its sovereignty and unity. The full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, but it has raised questions about the implications for regional stability and international law.
As President-elect Irro prepares to take office, his diplomatic meetings signal Somaliland’s aspirations for stronger international relations. The discussions with the UK and Ethiopia reflect a commitment to regional collaboration and economic growth under his leadership.
These developments pave the way for Somaliland’s increased participation in regional diplomacy, despite unresolved disputes over its sovereignty.
