Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Getachew Reda, Advisor to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on East African Affairs, has suggested that Ethiopia may soon follow in recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty—though it will not be the first to do so.
In an interview with journalist Jim Steinman on Global Power Shift, Getachew referenced a remark by former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who once said Ethiopia “won’t be the first, but it won’t be the third either” to recognize Somaliland. The statement signals that Addis Ababa is carefully positioning itself to move ahead without becoming diplomatically isolated.
Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2024, which Ethiopia said included a framework for exploring formal recognition in exchange for access to Red Sea ports. The deal sparked outrage in Somalia, which considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory.
Getachew noted that U.S. recognition of Somaliland could trigger a domino effect among global and regional powers. However, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s priority is securing sea access for its population of over 130 million—framing the issue as a non-negotiable strategic necessity rather than a matter of political symbolism.
He also warned of escalating tensions with Eritrea, cautioning that unchecked rivalry in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden could lead to what he described as a “descent into all-out war.” Instead, he called for pragmatic diplomacy based on mutual concessions, arguing that “give and take” is the only viable path to regional stability.
As the Horn of Africa navigates rising geopolitical stakes, Ethiopia’s next move on Somaliland could reshape regional alliances—and reignite long-dormant conflicts.