Horn of Africa regional cooperation moved forward on Saturday as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hosted the presidents of Djibouti and Somalia in Jigjiga. The meeting marked a renewed push for political dialogue, economic integration, and shared security planning in a strategically vital region.
Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived at Garaad Wiil-Waal Airport, where Prime Minister Abiy personally received them. Senior Ethiopian officials and regional leaders emphasise the significance of the summit.
The leaders also met with the President of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, Mustafa Muhumed Omar. His presence highlighted the growing role of regional governments in shaping Horn of Africa regional cooperation.
Development projects anchor Horn of Africa regional cooperation
The Jigjiga summit combined diplomacy with visible development action. The three leaders participated in the inauguration of projects in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, including the Shabelle Tourist Centre.
They also visited a wind power facility in Ayshaa District. Officials say these projects aim to strengthen local economies and expand renewable energy supply.
Ethiopia views the Somali Region as a gateway for cross-border trade with Djibouti and Somalia. The area plays a growing role in logistics, energy links, and regional transport corridors.
Beyond infrastructure, the leaders focused on economic cooperation and shared security risks. Talks covered trade barriers, climate stress, and cross-border instability.
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Officials stressed that regional challenges require regional solutions. They argued that Horn of Africa regional cooperation works best through coordination, not isolation.
The Horn of Africa sits along key global shipping routes near the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Stability in the region affects global trade and energy flows.
The summit followed Prime Minister Abiy’s recent visit to Djibouti, where discussions centred on port access and transport corridors. It also came amid wider efforts to rebuild trust between Ethiopia and its neighbours.
Analysts say Jigjiga was a deliberate choice. Hosting the summit there elevated the Somali Region’s diplomatic role and reinforced its link to regional integration.
The presence of all three leaders sent a message of unity. It also signalled a shared commitment to dialogue amid rising geopolitical pressure.
The leaders did not issue a joint statement after the meeting. Even so, observers see the summit as part of a broader shift toward structured regional dialogue.
Ethiopia continues to link domestic development with Horn of Africa regional cooperation. Officials believe economic growth and security depend on cross-border alignment.
As climate risks and geopolitical competition intensify, leaders across the region appear determined to act together. For now, coordination has replaced confrontation as the dominant message.
