HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has forcefully defended his government’s controversial decision to open a diplomatic mission in West Jerusalem, arguing that Somaliland’s foreign policy must be driven solely by national interest as the administration pushes aggressively for long-sought international recognition.
Speaking at the central committee conference of the ruling Waddani Party in Hargeisa, President Irro responded directly to criticism from opposition figures, particularly leaders of the opposition KAAH Party, while also addressing accusations made by former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, who had accused him of undermining Somaliland’s recognition agenda.
The speech marked one of President Irro’s strongest public defenses yet of his administration’s emerging foreign policy strategy.
Irro Defends Jerusalem Embassy Decision
President Irro made clear that Somaliland’s decision to establish diplomatic representation in West Jerusalem was deliberate and carefully calculated, dismissing criticism surrounding the move.
“Where are we opening the embassy then? We are opening the embassy in West Jerusalem. All Arab countries recognize it as part of Israel’s territory,” President Irro said.
The president argued that the embassy decision reflects Somaliland’s broader diplomatic strategy centered around securing international recognition after more than three decades of political isolation.
Somaliland First’ Foreign Policy Takes Center Stage
In one of the defining themes of his address, Irro introduced what observers are calling a “Somaliland First” foreign policy doctrine, stressing that national interest will override external political pressures.
The president said Somaliland had spent 35 years pursuing international recognition, but many nations in the Islamic world failed to support the cause.
> “For 35 years Somaliland has sought recognition. We must build relations with those who are willing to acknowledge our statehood,” he said.
Irro argued that Somaliland’s leadership has a constitutional obligation to prioritize the country’s sovereignty and diplomatic future above wider geopolitical considerations.
Response to Palestine Criticism
Addressing concerns over the diplomatic implications of opening an embassy in Jerusalem amid the broader Middle East conflict, President Irro emphasized that his government continues to respect Palestinian rights while remaining focused on Somaliland’s own national interests.
“The people of Somaliland elected us to serve Somaliland and pursue recognition for our nation,” Irro declared.
The statement appeared aimed at critics who argued the Jerusalem embassy decision could alienate parts of the Muslim world.
Direct Message to Opposition Leader Mahmoud Hashi
The President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro issued a pointed challenge to opposition leaders who have criticized the diplomatic breakthrough, particularly senior figures in the KAAH Party.
Without softening his tone, the president suggested critics should openly state their opposition if they disagree with Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition through new diplomatic partnerships.
“If you oppose this matter, tell the people openly that you are against recognition,” he said.
The remarks were widely interpreted as directed at Mahmoud Hashi Abdi, whose party has publicly questioned the Jerusalem embassy decision.
Message to Former President Muse Bihi
In another notable moment, The President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro addressed former President Muse Bihi Abdi directly, responding to accusations that his administration had deviated from Somaliland’s recognition strategy.
While striking a conciliatory tone, Irro urged his predecessor to remain supportive of the broader national cause.
“My friend Muse, maintain the good path that you have had,” Irro said.
The president stressed that previous administrations had worked tirelessly toward recognition and argued his government is continuing the same mission through a different diplomatic approach.
Waddani Conference Highlights Political Unity
Beyond foreign policy, the president used the gathering of the ruling Waddani Party to reflect on the party’s history and thank supporters who helped deliver victory in the 2024 presidential election.
President Irro thanked what he described as the 64 percent of voters who backed Waddani and paid tribute to party founders, deceased leaders, and young supporters who lost their lives during past opposition protests.
“I thank every woman, every man, and all the youth who voted for Waddani. We will never forget those who sacrificed for this movement.”
Embassy Decision ‘Final and Irreversible’
Concluding his address, President Irro insisted Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement strategy will continue expanding and made clear that the Jerusalem embassy decision will not be reversed.
He said Somaliland would maintain relations with any nation willing to respect its sovereignty and independence.
“Somaliland must move forward together. We will continue building relations with countries that respect our sovereignty.”
The speech signals a potentially significant shift in Somaliland’s foreign relations strategy as the government intensifies efforts to secure formal international recognition amid growing domestic political debate.
Pictures of the central committee conference of the ruling Waddani Party in Hargeisa
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
