Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Ethiopia Likely to Follow, Not Lead, in Somaliland Recognition, Says Getachew Reda
Addis Ababa, October 2025– Ethiopia is unlikely to be the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, but it may not be far behind, according to Getachew Reda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on East African Affairs.
Speaking to journalist Jim Steinman on Global Power Shift, Getachew referenced the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s long-standing position on Somaliland, noting that Ethiopia “won’t be the first, but it won’t be the third either.”
Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in January 2024, which Addis Ababa indicated included provisions to assess Somaliland’s bid for international recognition. Getachew emphasized that recognition by the United States could act as a catalyst, potentially creating a domino effect among other nations.
Highlighting the strategic importance of access to the sea for Ethiopia’s 130 million citizens, Getachew stressed that securing maritime routes remains a long-term priority. At the same time, he cautioned against escalating tensions with neighboring Eritrea, urging pragmatic diplomacy and mutual compromise to prevent what he described as a potential “descent into all-out war.”
Analysts say Ethiopia’s approach to Somaliland reflects a careful balancing act: pursuing economic and geopolitical interests while navigating complex regional security dynamics.
