It intertwined sea access with Ethiopia’s formal recognition of Somaliland – and this has sparked quite a diplomatic stir. However, it still lacks the international recognition that would allow Somaliland full participation in the global community, such as membership in the United Nations. Nuanced distinctions in each party’s priorities have emerged: Somaliland places emphasis on explicit recognition; Ethiopia directs its focus toward regional integration. Somaliland is situated to the south and east of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State. A renewed push for autonomy from Ethiopia’s Somali community could serve to reignite any number of these simmering internal conflicts and Somali irredentism.

Source: Ethiopian News January 15, 2024 07:26 UTC