Deal with Ethiopia will help in defeating Houthi rebels, Bihi saysMuse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland speaks during a news conference on October 10, 2018. REUTERSHARGEISA, Somalia - The breakaway region of Somaliland insists the deal signed with Ethiopia would significantly help in handling Houthi rebels along the Red Sea, by securing 'freedom of navigation' which has been problematic for over a decade. “Ethiopia will build a naval military base and have commercial ships and in exchange Ethiopia will give us recognition — that’s the basics,” said Bihi Abdi. Hargeisa said international recognition could unlock further investments into its $3.4bn economy based on sea trade, remittances, and camel livestock. The two countries have also promised to provide warships in the Red Sea following Somalia’s request.
