The Republic of Somaliland has recalled its ambassador to Djibouti for consultations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced in an official statement on Wednesday.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has recalled its Representative to the Republic of Djibouti to Hargeisa for consultations, as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements and in line with established diplomatic practice,” the ministry stated.
Officials confirmed that Somaliland’s ambassador is now in Hargeisa.
In a related development, Djibouti’s ambassador to Somaliland departed Hargeisa for Djibouti on Wednesday morning, according to officials familiar with the matter, confirming a reciprocal diplomatic withdrawal.
Analysts and diplomatic sources link the moves to Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland—a decision Djibouti has publicly opposed—which has heightened diplomatic friction in the Horn of Africa. Djibouti has firmly rejected Somaliland’s increasing international engagements, a stance that has significantly strained bilateral relations.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the mutual recall of ambassadors represents a formal step to express displeasure while maintaining diplomatic ties, falling short of a complete severance of relations.
Neither government has elaborated on the nature or expected duration of the consultations. Djibouti’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“Djibouti needs to adjust to the reality that Somaliland is now a recognized state and is on a path toward broader international acceptance. Djibouti cannot stop that momentum,” said Rashid Abdi, a research director specializing in the Horn of Africa.
He added, “Fomenting unrest or destabilizing Somaliland would be unwise. A calmer, more pragmatic approach based on cooperation rather than confrontation would better serve regional stability
