Hargeisa (SLpost) — Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakal, has reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to deepening relations with Ethiopia, describing the neighboring country as one of Somaliland’s closest and most reliable partners.
In an interview with The Reporter, Bakal said relations between Somaliland and Ethiopia remain strong under the administration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro,” despite speculation that the new government might alter policies established under former President Muse Bihi Abdi.
“There has not been any change,” Bakal said. “Our relationship has always been good. It has not changed; it has continuously improved each day.”
The minister emphasized Somaliland’s willingness to discuss Ethiopia’s long-standing desire for greater access to the sea, including potential use of Berbera Port. While declining to provide specifics on the status of the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in early 2024, Bakal said the agreement was only one aspect of broader cooperation.
“We understand the importance of Ethiopia having access to the sea,” he said. “If there’s any way we can help them, we are always willing.”
Bakal noted that Berbera Port remains significantly underutilized, operating at only 20 to 30 percent of its capacity, and said Ethiopia could make greater use of the facility if it chooses.
The minister also stressed the strategic importance of the Somaliland-Ethiopia partnership, describing Somaliland as Ethiopia’s “most reliable and stable partner” in the region. He said officials from both governments continue to maintain regular contact, including meetings involving President Cirro and Ethiopian leaders.
On the issue of Somaliland’s quest for international recognition, Bakal expressed optimism but said Somaliland would not pressure Ethiopia to take such a step.
“We will never push Ethiopia to recognize Somaliland,” he said. “But I’m sure at some point Ethiopia will see that Somaliland is a reliable and stable partner that they will eventually recognize.”
Bakal identified Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates as Somaliland’s closest allies and said discussions with various international partners on recognition continue.
Addressing economic ties, he said Ethiopian investors have shown increasing interest in Somaliland, particularly in construction and other private-sector activities, though major investments remain limited.
The minister also denied the presence of any foreign military forces in Somaliland, saying the territory’s border with Ethiopia remains one of the most secure in the region.
“There are no foreign forces on our soil,” he said.
Bakal highlighted the close social and cultural connections between Somalilanders and Ethiopians, describing relations between the two peoples as brotherly and characterized by mutual respect.
On regional politics, the foreign minister was critical of Somalia’s stability and argued that African governments and institutions should reassess Somaliland’s case for recognition. He maintained that Somaliland’s claim is based on the restoration of sovereignty it held upon independence in 1960 before voluntarily entering into union with Somalia.
“The legal case for Somaliland is very obvious,” Bakal said. “We are not secessionists. We are only claiming the sovereignty that we received in 1960.”
The minister also called on the African Union to revisit findings from its 2005 fact-finding mission to Somaliland, which he said acknowledged the uniqueness of Somaliland’s case.
Meanwhile, Bakal acknowledged that ongoing instability in the Middle East has affected regional trade. He said cargo traffic through Berbera Port has declined by roughly 40 percent since conflict in the region disrupted shipping routes, affecting both Ethiopian and Somaliland imports.
Looking ahead, Bakal said the future of Ethiopia-Somaliland relations lies in expanding cooperation across trade, infrastructure, and regional development. “We have what they need and they have what we need,” he said. “We need to maximize that cooperation,” says Mr Bakal.
Concluding the interview, Bakal reiterated Somaliland’s commitment to its relationship with Ethiopia.
“We are always there for Ethiopia,” he said. “They have always been there for us and we will always be there for them.”
Somalilandpost News
Hargeisa, Somaliland
