Small Somaliland is positioned in the middle of a regional spat that some experts fear could escalate further.

An opposition leader won elections in Somaliland, casting doubt over whether the semi-autonomous region will honor a deal that will enable Ethiopia to build a military base on its coast on the Gulf of Aden.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the main opposition Waddani Party received more than 50% of the votes, defeating President Muse Bihi Abdi who sought a second term after seven years in office, the electoral commission said.

A new president, a maritime deal with neighbouring Ethiopia, the election of Donald Trump in the United States: after several political shifts in 2024, the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland hopes to see progress in its quest to become Africa's newest state.