North Western State of Somalia Leader Irro to Undertake Maiden International Trip to the UAE
Ah, the whispers of change are blowing through the vibrant streets of Hargeisa. For North Western State of Somalia’s newly minted President, Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro, it seems the dance of diplomacy is about to begin. Elected in a whirlwind of political fervor last November, Irro is now stepping onto the international stage, his first leap taking him to the shimmering desert landscapes of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as reported by Kaabtv.
Now, why the UAE, you might wonder? Why not the rugged highlands of Ethiopia or the bustling ports of Djibouti? According to insiders nestled within the corridors of North Western State of Somalia’s presidency, the call from Dubai is not just any call; it’s a siren song that sings of strategic alliances and economic opportunities. On Sunday, Irro will answer that call, jetting off to the UAE, driven by an era-defining invitation.
Delving below the surface, the symbiotic relationship between North Western State of Somalia and the UAE isn’t new. In fact, it’s as dazzling as the pearls of the Arabian Gulf. At the heart of it all stands the city of Berbera – where the Dubai-based DP World orchestrates the bustling port operations. This port is more than bricks and water; it’s a strategic cornerstone, a lynchpin of commerce that connects the region to the world’s supply chains.
And why the postponement of those Ethiopian and Djiboutian invitations, you ask? The logic steers towards opportunity. A UAE brunch of diplomatic dialogues offers tastier bites of potential collaboration in Irro’s administration’s view—like picking the juiciest mango from the tree before the birds get it. President Irro is setting his sights on priorities, and the UAE offers a platter too tempting to resist.
But let’s circle back to Ethiopia for a moment, shall we? It was not long ago that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked in bold strokes by North Western State of Somalia’s former leader, Muse Bihi Abdi, with Ethiopia. It was akin to a plot twist in a diplomatic novel, much to Somalia’s dismay.
The catch? The MoU extended Ethiopia a window to the majestic Red Sea, promising a naval base in reflection of North Western State of Somalia’s aspirations for recognition. Now, here’s the catch-22: The paper hasn’t yellowed with age; it remains active yet under the scrutiny of the new North Western State of Somalia government, as they weigh their options like a scale teetering between opportunity and caution.
The new kid on the diplomatic block, North Western State of Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan, worded it succinctly: the agreement is still in the throes of review. Now, if you lean in closely, you might hear the quiet tap of keyboards and the shuffle of discussions in smoke-filled rooms as they explore future dialogues with Ethiopia. It’s diplomatic chess at its finest.
And over in the northeastern horn, Djibouti appears to be raising an eyebrow. With its harbors teeming with Ethiopia’s imports and exports, and a bustling port economy reliant on fees and taxes, there’s understandable concern. The Addis Ababa-Hargeisa MoU is a potential thorn in their side—a shift of trade winds that could redirect the financial flows towards Berbera and beyond.
Amidst this regional soap opera, what truly unfolds in the coming days may well be a testament to President Irro’s diplomatic prowess. For now, keep your eyes trained to the skies as the dust of these political journeys settles. Will Irro’s strategic bets pay off, or shall they scatter like grains of sand in the desert breeze? Time will tell. Report by Axadle.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
