ETHIOPIA’S DANGEROUS DEAL WITH SOMALILAND

Tensions are ramping up on the Horn of Africa after Ethiopia struck a deal to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Internationally, the autonomous region is considered part of Somalia which has now accused Addis Ababa of violating its sovereignty.
For Ethiopia, though, it’s a calculated gamble. The agreement will see it gain access to a stretch of the Red Sea and open up new naval and commercial opportunities.
However, the wider question is at what cost? There are fears the provocative move could spark another war in a region already grappling with internal armed conflicts.