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Somaliland President visits Djibouti to mend strained ties and boost regional cooperation
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    Wednesday May 21, 2025

    Djibouti (HOL) – Somaliland's newly elected President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro arrived in Djibouti on Wednesday for a three-day official visit aimed at mending strained relations and enhancing regional cooperation with the Djibouti government.

    President Irro and his delegation were welcomed at Djibouti's international airport by Prime Minister Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, who stated on behalf of President Ismail Omar Guelleh that the visit reflected a spirit of "trust and friendship."

    "In a world clouded by uncertainty, this visit is a testament to the desire of both sides to build bridges, strengthen dialogue, and consolidate peace," the Prime Minister said.

    The visit follows tensions that emerged in early 2024, after Somaliland signed a controversial agreement with Ethiopia—reportedly involving port access and military cooperation—which Djibouti publicly opposed. The pact heightened regional competition, especially over access to Ethiopia's lucrative trade routes, which currently rely on Djibouti for more than 95% of its imports and exports.

    President Irro is expected to meet President Ismail Omar Guelleh during the visit to discuss security cooperation, cross-border trade, and the possibility of resuming the suspended Somaliland-Somalia talks.

    The two leaders are also anticipated to address regional stability and shared interests as Somaliland and Djibouti compete to influence Ethiopia's Red Sea access. Somaliland has invested heavily in the Berbera Port, with ambitions to attract Ethiopian cargo and secure stronger bilateral trade links.

    Following the Djibouti visit, President Irro is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia, where discussions are expected to center on economic partnerships and security cooperation. He has recently stated that a major trade agreement with Ethiopia will likely be signed before the end of the year.

    This diplomatic push marks President Irro's first regional tour since taking office, signaling Somaliland's renewed foreign policy direction amid shifting alliances in the Horn of Africa.

     





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