President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti our beloved nation demonstrated remarkable diplomatic move when he outmanoeuvred Ethiopia by strengthening Djibouti's ties with Somaliland, thereby subtly creating distance between Somaliland and its historically close relationship with Ethiopia. This deft move was encapsulated in his invitation to Somaliland's president, Eiro to visit Djibouti first, before any engagement with Ethiopia. This was a departure from the past, where former leaders of Somaliland traditionally visited Ethiopia before all others. For example, President Siilaanyo had made Djibouti his first stop, with Ethiopia following closely thereafter. In a more recent turn of events, President Eiro first visited the UAE, followed by Djibouti, with Ethiopia's position as a third stop remaining uncertain.
In essence, President Guelleh's decision to host Somaliland's president in Djibouti before any other regional actor was a masterstroke of diplomacy. It not only underscored Djibouti's pivotal role in the Horn of Africa but also positioned the nation as a powerful ally to Somaliland while not supporting its independence but keeping the traditional and trade ties in intact , free from the shadow of Ethiopia’s influence. This calculated move revealed Guelleh's nuanced ability to balance regional powers and consolidate Djibouti’s standing as a central player in the intricate geopolitics of the Horn of Africa.
Our main concern had been the possibility that Ethiopia might move to strengthen its ties with Somaliland, thus further encroaching on Djibouti's influence and economic ties with Ethiopia . Yet, through this manoeuvre, we have effectively neutralised that threat indeed. One might also note the fortunate turn of events whereby Prime Minister Abiy of Ethiopia, in his dealings with Eritreas dictator afewerki, he managed to outwit the Eritrean dictator through the Pretoria Agreemen an outcome which, didnt fall well with the eritrean dictator indeed , had relations remained good between the relic of asmara and abiye the galla leader this could have had significant repercussions for our position in the region .
Dr Zackovich