Written by Lisa Murimi
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro” arrived in Djibouti on Wednesday evening for a three-day official visit, marking his first major diplomatic engagement since taking office.
The trip signals Somaliland’s intent to reassert its presence in the Horn of Africa and recalibrate ties amid a shifting regional landscape.
President Irro was received by Djibouti’s Prime Minister Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, who described the visit as a “testament to the desire of both sides to build bridges, strengthen dialogue, and consolidate peace.”
“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 stated.
The visit comes on the heels of diplomatic tensions sparked by a 2024 Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement granting Addis Ababa access to the Berbera Port—challenging Djibouti’s near-monopoly on Ethiopian trade routes.
With over 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports moving through Djibouti, the Berbera deal has heightened competition and reshaped regional dynamics.
During the visit, President Irro is expected to meet with President Ismail Omar Guelleh to address regional security, cross-border trade, and the long-stalled Somaliland-Somalia talks.
Observers say the talks could pave the way for regional de-escalation and economic cooperation.
Somaliland, though not internationally recognized, is actively promoting its UAE-backed Berbera Port as a strategic alternative trade corridor.
President Irro’s upcoming visit to Addis Ababa is expected to finalize a trade agreement that could further enhance Somaliland’s regional influence.
As Red Sea geopolitics intensify, Irro’s diplomatic push reflects a broader ambition: positioning Somaliland as a serious player in the Horn of Africa’s emerging order.
