Growing Interest from Global Powers
In the heart of Hargeisa’s presidential palace, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi "Irro” offered a rare and revealing interview to The Guardian, expressing confidence that Somaliland is closer than ever to gaining international recognition. "Recognition is on the horizon,” declared the 69-year-old statesman, who has emerged as a leading figure in Somaliland’s long-standing campaign for self-determination.
Since its self-declared independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has developed a reputation for peace, democratic governance, and relative stability—qualities that stand in stark contrast to the insecurity that has plagued southern Somalia for decades. Yet, despite fulfilling the criteria for statehood under international law, formal recognition has remained elusive. President Irro’s recent remarks, however, signal a shift in diplomatic momentum.
Growing Interest from Global Powers
According to President Irro, high-level US military officials—including the most senior officer in the Horn of Africa—have visited Hargeisa in recent months, an indication of Somaliland’s growing geostrategic significance. A separate delegation from Washington is expected to arrive shortly to assess the critical port of Berbera, which lies along key international shipping routes. These visits suggest that Somaliland is not only on the radar of Western policymakers, but also being actively considered as a strategic partner.
Although he did not confirm any formal endorsement, President Irro hinted that former US President Donald Trump could play a pivotal role, potentially becoming the first world leader to recognise Somaliland’s sovereignty. While such speculation remains tentative, it underscores the urgency and importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Diplomatic Forays in the Region and Beyond
President Irro’s recent diplomatic tour in May 2025 marked a milestone in regional engagement. His visit to neighbouring Djibouti reflected efforts to mend and strengthen ties within the Horn of Africa. More notably, his historic meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi culminated in a significant breakthrough: the green light for Somaliland to open a liaison office in the Kenyan capital. This move represents a critical step towards normalised bilateral relations, akin to diplomatic recognition in practice if not yet in name.
Despite resistance from global powers with competing strategic interests—most notably China and Turkey—Somaliland continues to make diplomatic headway. Both countries have expressed strong opposition to Somaliland’s growing international profile, lobbying against its inclusion on the global stage. However, their objections have done little to deter Hargeisa’s leadership from pursuing its goals.
Navigating the Road Ahead
Somaliland’s diplomatic balancing act involves not only reaching out to sympathetic nations but also managing complex geopolitical realities. The Berbera port’s development, for instance, has attracted interest from both the United Arab Emirates and the United States, potentially positioning Somaliland as a key logistical hub in the Red Sea corridor. As the international community grapples with rising instability in the Horn and beyond, Somaliland offers a model of democratic governance and security cooperation—assets too significant to ignore.
Still, the path to recognition is fraught with challenges. Somalia’s central government remains firmly opposed to Somaliland’s independence, and the African Union has yet to take a definitive stance. Nevertheless, the progress achieved in recent months offers renewed hope that the global tide may be turning.
President Irro’s confidence is not misplaced. Recognition may not be guaranteed, but for the first time in over three decades, it appears to be within reach. What happens next will depend on the region’s shifting alliances, the strategic calculus of global powers, and, most critically, the unwavering determination of Somaliland’s people.
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