Djibouti’s strong opposition to the controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland stems from fears that Ethiopia could reduce its reliance on Djibouti’s ports, according to former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi.
Bihi, who signed the MoU granting Ethiopia potential access to the Red Sea through Somaliland, told Somaliland Chronicle in a recent interview that Djibouti’s reaction was fueled by frustration. He speculated that Ethiopia’s dependence on Djibouti’s ports would inevitably diminish if the MoU were fully implemented.
The deal between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa has lost momentum since Bihi left office and was succeeded by President Abdirahman Irro. However, diplomatic sources at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Horn Frequency that the MoU remains valid. The source said Ethiopia is exploring ways to strengthen the agreement through expanded economic and diplomatic ties, including preparations to open a branch of the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in Hargeisa.
On Djibouti’s objections, the source added that Ethiopian and Djiboutian officials have held several rounds of talks, with Addis Ababa assuring Djibouti that its ports would remain central to Ethiopia’s trade corridor.
Despite Ethiopian optimism, Bihi argued the agreement has already collapsed under international pressure, particularly from Egypt and Qatar, which he said lobbied heavily against the deal.
