Erigavo, Somaliland — The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, on Wednesday presided over the official closing ceremony of the Sanaag Peace Conference in Erigavo, marking the end of a landmark gathering that has rekindled hope for lasting peace and unity in the region.
The week-long conference brought together elders, traditional leaders, and community representatives from across the Sanaag region. Their deliberations culminated in a historic accord rooted in reconciliation, solidarity, and a renewed national spirit — a defining moment that President Irro described as a victory not just for Sanaag, but for the entire Republic of Somaliland.
In an impassioned address, President Irro praised the courage and wisdom of the local communities for choosing dialogue over division.
“Peace is the cornerstone of our strength and sovereignty,” he declared while urging the people of Sanaag to safeguard the unity and mutual respect that have long defined Somaliland’s resilience. His message carried a tone of humility and resolve — a reminder that national cohesion must be constantly nurtured through understanding and shared responsibility.
The President paid heartfelt tribute to the traditional elders and mediators whose patience and leadership guided the negotiations to a successful conclusion. He emphasized that his administration remains firmly committed to preserving peace, accelerating development, and strengthening national cohesion across every region of Somaliland.
The closing ceremony was filled with an atmosphere of optimism and collective pride, as participants embraced one another in a show of reconciliation and fraternity. Many described the outcome as a triumph of dialogue — a reaffirmation of Somaliland’s ability to resolve internal differences through its own indigenous systems of consultation and consensus-building.
As the sun set over the mountains of Erigavo, the mood was one of renewed hope. The Sanaag Peace Conference not only healed local divisions but also reinforced Somaliland’s reputation as a nation that values peace, dialogue, and unity above all else — a legacy that President Irro vowed to protect and strengthen in the years ahead.