The spokesman for Somaliland’s ruling Waddani party, Mohamed Farah Abdi, dismissed the relevance of the Ankara agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia to Somaliland. “The agreement in Ankara does not concern us. It is between two neighbors, and we are Somaliland. It is fine and normal for two brotherly nations to engage and agree. But it is of no relevance to us.”

This statement reflects a consistent position by Somaliland regarding its separate identity and sovereignty from Somalia. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, often emphasizes that agreements involving Somalia do not apply to it, given its status as a self-declared independent state, albeit unrecognized internationally.

The Ankara talks and subsequent declaration between Somalia and Ethiopia, appears to focus on bilateral cooperation. Somaliland’s reaction to the whole process and outcome underscores its stance of non-involvement in matters between Somalia and its neighbors, reiterating its identity as a distinct political entity.

This response is particularly relevant as it highlights Somaliland’s determination to distance itself from Somalia led international agreements, reinforcing its bid for international recognition.