Berbera, Somaliland – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has reiterated his determination to secure long-sought international recognition for the breakaway region, pledging to make it a cornerstone of his presidency.
Addressing citizens in the port city of Berbera, President Irro declared that Somaliland’s three-decade quest for recognition was nearing a decisive stage. He said his administration would intensify diplomatic efforts to cement Somaliland’s case on the global stage while simultaneously focusing on peacebuilding, national cohesion, and strengthening the military to safeguard stability.
“Our people have shown resilience and unity for over thirty years. It is now our responsibility to deliver the recognition that validates our sovereignty and ensures Somaliland takes its rightful place among nations,” the President said.
International interest in Somaliland has been growing, with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and other foreign policymakers recently underscoring its strategic importance for regional security and global diplomatic relations. However, recognition remains a contentious issue, with Somalia and much of the international community maintaining the principle of Somali territorial integrity.
President Irro emphasized that his government would balance its external diplomatic push with internal consolidation, noting that unity among Somaliland’s diverse communities was essential to achieving recognition. He also highlighted plans to modernize the armed forces to protect the region from external threats and ensure stability within its borders.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has maintained a functioning government, security apparatus, and democratic institutions, yet remains unrecognized internationally. Analysts say Irro’s pledge marks a renewed bid to convert Somaliland’s de facto independence into formal diplomatic legitimacy.
