Somaliland president Bihi is in Addis Ababa days after the Djibouti agreement with Mogadishu

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Somaliland president Bihi is in Addis Ababa days after the Djibouti agreement with Mogadishu

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has embarked on a state visit to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, just days after the historic agreement between Somalia and Somaliland leaders to resume dialogue.

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Upon his arrival earlier today at Bole International Airport, President Bihi was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen. | PHOTO/ Ethiopian Foreign Ministry.

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has embarked on a state visit to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, just days after the historic agreement between Somalia and Somaliland leaders to resume dialogue.

The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry confirmed President Bihi’s arrival on Sunday.

Upon landing, President Bihi was received by Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen, along with other high-ranking government officials.

The visit holds strategic importance as it follows the recent diplomatic breakthrough between Mogadishu government and Somaliland.

President Bihi is scheduled to engage in discussions with senior Ethiopian government officials, including a meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.

While the specific agenda of the visit remains undisclosed, sources suggest that talks will center on Ethiopia’s aspirations to access a regional port and address security concerns.

The Djibouti agreement, facilitated by Djibouti dictator Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, transpired just two days before President Bihi’s arrival in Addis Ababa. The accord, signed by the interior ministers of Somalia and Somaliland, signals in resuming stalled talks between the two sides.

The nature of Somaliland’s crisis, particularly the secession of the Dhulbahante clan from Hargeisa after eight months of conflict between Somaliland forces and the SSC-Khatumo, has heightened regional tensions throughout the year.

President Bihi’s visit is anticipated to discuss pressing issues with Ethiopian officials, sources said.