British MP Leads New Somaliland Recognition Institute

HARGEISA: The president of the northwestern region of Somalia, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), inaugurated a new institute in Hargeisa named ‘The Institute for Somaliland Independence and Recognition,’ which he said aims to expedite the campaign for the region’s secession from Somalia and promote its cause internationally. The announcement was made during an event on Tuesday evening.

The president stated that the institute will be led by what he described as “friends of Somaliland,” noting that Sir Gavin Williamson, a Member of Parliament from the United Kingdom, has been appointed as chairman, along with other members including scholars, politicians, and international supporters. “The institute will be chaired by Somaliland’s friend Sir Gavin Williamson, who will be accompanied by many friends that Somaliland has, and more than 2,000 friends of Somaliland are ready,” the regional president said.

He stated that the institute would compile the region’s history, legal arguments for recognition, and various stages of what he called the “struggle for self-determination.” The president also claimed that the institute has been officially registered in the United Kingdom to enable international operations.

Institute Members To Lobby For Secession

President Irro pointed out that the institute members consist mainly of university lecturers, experts, parliamentarians, and scholars specializing in political science and international law, who he said would work to persuade the international community regarding the secessionist issue. He indicated that the members are committed to achieving the goal of obtaining international recognition for the northwestern region, with the institute serving as a central point to unite discussions and efforts seeking recognition.

The head of the institute described the breakaway region as representing democracy and stability in the Horn of Africa, calling it “a light shining from the African continent.” He accused the Federal Government of Somalia of consistently attempting to obstruct the region’s progress, but affirmed their determination for what he called “Somaliland’s success.” Finally, he urged the international community to officially recognize the region, citing Israel as a worthy example to follow and suggesting that its path should be emulated.

The Federal Republic of Somalia has repeatedly rejected any unilateral moves that undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somalia previously condemned Israel’s appointment of an ambassador to the northwestern region as a violation of sovereignty. Meanwhile, reports of Israel’s recognition have been firmly rejected by Mogadishu, which views any such acts as legally void.

The latest initiative in Hargeisa follows the presentation of credentials by a self-styled envoy to the Israeli president, an act that drew sharp condemnation from the Somali government. Somalia continues to call on the international community to respect the unity and territorial integrity of the country as enshrined in the African Union and United Nations charters.