The president of Somaliland is bargaining for recognition
But a war at home has not helped his case
The text is secret and the deal might yet fall through. But the memorandum of understanding signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1st has sent shock waves through the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, says that Ethiopia will become the first country to grant it recognition. In return, it will give its landlocked neighbour access to the sea.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Deal or no deal”
From the June 15th 2024 edition
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