President Bihi’s upcoming visits to the UAE and the USA are crucial for Somaliland’s efforts to secure recognition and establish itself as a key player in the Horn of Africa. The evolving dynamics in the region, including deteriorating relations between Somalia and the UAE, as well as the shifting US policy towards the region, present both challenges and opportunities for Somaliland. By engaging with key international partners and navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa, Somaliland can potentially enhance its strategic position and advance its interests in the region.
The President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, is set to embark on a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States, according to reliable sources.
According to this source, the Emirati government has invited President Bihi to the UAE as relations between Somalia and the UAE continue to deteriorate.
The recent assassination of Emirati military trainers in Mogadishu aimed at driving them out of the country has only worsened the situation. Also, the UAE’s relationship with Somaliland is likely to be influenced by the military cooperation between Turkey and Somalia.
President Bihi’s visit to the USA comes at a time when America’s influence in Africa is diminishing and its war against Al-Shabaab in Somalia is faltering. The Red Sea crisis is also a cause for concern, as it could lead to a security and diplomatic vacuum that could affect the entire region. The US is seeking to relocate drone operations from Niger to Berbera, Somaliland, after being expelled from Niger. However, Somaliland has voiced opposition to this move, leading to the postponement of the US Ambassador’s visit to Berbera.
The recent meeting between US officials and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy, who signed an MoU with Somaliland, could shift US policy towards the Horn of Africa. As Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Essa Kayd, is already in Washington to prepare for the President’s visit, it is possible that a shift in US policy towards Somaliland may occur.
The Horn of Africa has long been a region of great strategic importance to the US. However, America’s influence in the region has been waning in recent years, especially in light of its failure to defeat Al-Shabaab in Somalia. The displacement of the US from the Sahel region is also a cause for concern, as the security and diplomatic vacuum left behind will be felt across the region.
President Bihi’s visit to the UAE and the USA is likely to be an opportunity for Somaliland to strengthen its relationships with these countries. The country has long sought recognition as an independent state, but it has yet to receive it. However, Somaliland’s strategic location and its potential as a hub for drone operations make it an important partner for the US in the region.
As Somaliland seeks to establish itself as a key player in the Horn of Africa, it will need to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. The country’s relationship with the UAE, Turkey, and Somalia, as well as its strategic partnership with the US, will be key factors in determining its future. President Bihi’s visit to the UAE and the USA may provide an opportunity for Somaliland to strengthen these relationships and advance its strategic goals.
