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Somaliland’s new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has declared that securing international recognition will be the central mission of his presidency. Speaking in Berbera on Monday, Irro promised that Somaliland’s decades-long dream of being recognized as an independent nation will finally be achieved under his leadership.
“For more than thirty years, Somaliland has worked hard to present its case to the world,” Irro told elders in the Sahil region. “Much has been accomplished before me, but I want the people to know that I will be the one to finish this task.”
Irro explained that his government will focus on three main priorities: strengthening national unity, ensuring peace and stability, and building a strong security sector. According to him, these efforts will form the foundation of Somaliland’s bid for legitimacy. He also expressed hope that one day, Somalilanders would gather in Berbera not just as hopefuls, but as citizens of a recognized country.
Growing Support from the U.S.
Irro’s remarks come as Somaliland’s recognition push gains momentum internationally, especially in the United States. Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, recently urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to officially recognize Somaliland.
Cruz described Somaliland as a “critical security and diplomatic partner” for Washington, praising its cooperation on counterterrorism and maritime security. He argued that recognition would serve U.S. interests in the Horn of Africa at a time when China and Iran-backed groups like the Houthis are expanding their influence in the region.
Trump also signaled possible support, saying his administration was “looking into” the recognition issue. While U.S. officials have clarified that American policy has not yet changed, they confirmed that a review is underway.
Partnerships and Regional Reactions
Taiwan, which opened a representative office in Hargeisa in 2020, welcomed Cruz’s statement. The Taiwanese envoy described the partnership with Somaliland as a “strategic alliance,” pointing to agreements on maritime security and other areas of cooperation. The envoy called the relationship a model for the Horn of Africa.
Meanwhile, reactions from Somalia and China have been strongly negative. China, which has a military base in nearby Djibouti, condemned Cruz’s comments as interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. Somalia’s federal government also strongly opposed the move, warning that recognition of Somaliland would fragment the country and weaken counterterrorism cooperation in the region. Reports suggest Mogadishu has even offered the U.S. military access to Somali ports, including Berbera and Bosaso, to discourage Washington from recognizing Somaliland.
Irro dismissed Mogadishu’s opposition, saying Somalia’s stance stems from jealousy rather than genuine concern. “Somaliland threatens no one,” he said, “but we are determined to secure our place in the international community.”
Somaliland’s Case for Recognition
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime. Since then, it has established its own government institutions, armed forces, and currency, and has held six competitive elections. In November 2024, Somaliland held a peaceful transfer of power when voters elected Irro, a moment seen as reinforcing the region’s democratic credentials.
Supporters of recognition argue that Somaliland stands apart from Somalia because of its stability, democratic governance, and history of one-person, one-vote elections. In contrast, Somalia continues to face challenges with insecurity, terrorism, and delayed elections.
Former U.S. diplomats and African experts say recognition would allow closer cooperation between Washington and Hargeisa on intelligence and security matters. Herman Cohen, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, also backed Cruz’s call, arguing that recognition would help counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Strengthening Somaliland at Home
While pushing for recognition abroad, Irro has also launched domestic initiatives aimed at strengthening Somaliland’s statehood. During his recent tour of Berbera, he inaugurated a new fire station in Sheikh and visited the IGAD Sheikh Technical Veterinary School. There, staff highlighted how modern laboratories could improve food safety, animal health, and agricultural productivity. Irro pledged his government’s support for education, health, and services to build a country ready for international legitimacy.
“Somaliland has waited for decades,” Irro said. “This is our time. I will be the one to finish this task.”