HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, has expressed opposition to any interference that could threaten Ethiopia’s peace and stability, while reaffirming the longstanding relationship between Hargeisa and Addis Ababa.
President Irro made the remarks on Thursday after returning to Somaliland with a delegation following official visits to the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, he addressed members of parliament, cabinet ministers, security chiefs, government officials, traditional leaders, religious scholars, business representatives and other members of society.
“We strongly oppose interference and any action that could endanger Ethiopia’s stability and security,” resident Irro said.
He described Somaliland and Ethiopia as neighboring countries with deep-rooted ties, stressing the importance of maintaining peaceful relations and cooperation.
Somaliland Rejects Regional Moves Threatening Its Sovereignty
The president also addressed regional political and security developments, expressing concern over what he described as efforts that could undermine Somaliland’s sovereignty.
President Irro specifically referred to a recently formed alignment involving Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan, warning that regional cooperation could not be sustainable if Somaliland’s interests and political status were excluded.
“As a government and a people, the Republic of Somaliland opposes any action that undermines its sovereignty, particularly steps taken by the recently aligned states led by Egypt,” President Irro said.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro added that meaningful and lasting regional cooperation would require Somaliland to be included.
The remarks come amid regional tensions and competing political and security interests in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. However, the president’s statements did not, by themselves, establish that the countries concerned had agreed on any specific action against Somaliland.
Irro Expresses Confidence After US Visit
The president also briefed the gathering on his recent visits to the United States and the United Arab Emirates, describing the diplomatic engagements as encouraging for Somaliland’s international ambitions.
He thanked US President Donald Trump for statements he said distinguished Somaliland from Somalia, describing the outcome of the US visit as a source of renewed confidence.
“From the visit to the United States, we returned with very high confidence and hope that its results will contribute to Somaliland’s future,” Irro said.
He also urged the public to maintain peace and national unity while the government continues its diplomatic efforts.
“Protect security and unity, and leave the recognition to me,” the president said, calling on Somalilanders to support stability at home as the administration pursues international recognition.
The remarks reflect the government’s continued efforts to secure broader international acceptance of Somaliland, which declared the restoration of its independence in 1991 but has not received widespread international recognition as a sovereign state.
Somaliland Leaders Call for Unity
Several senior Somaliland officials welcomed the president and praised his administration’s diplomatic efforts.
First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Said Mire Girre urged citizens to demonstrate unity and ensure that diplomatic efforts abroad were supported by political cooperation at home. He said the two houses of parliament had held a joint session in support of Somaliland’s sovereignty and national cause while the president was abroad.
Supreme Court Chairman Adan Haji Ali said national achievements should be recognized as belonging to the entire population, regardless of political differences. He described the president’s engagements with influential institutions in the United States as potentially significant for Somaliland’s diplomatic position.
Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi also described the visits as productive, arguing that Somaliland had gained greater international attention. He urged citizens to protect peace, strengthen national institutions and counter what he described as misleading narratives about the country.
Government Calls for a Unified Recognition Strategy
Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir urged political leaders and the public to maintain a unified position on Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition.
Minister said the country was at a sensitive stage, with international attention focused on its political future, and called for collective action in support of national interests.
Ruling Waddani party chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan also welcomed the president, praising the diplomatic efforts made by Irro and his delegation. He thanked Trump and others whom he said had contributed to bringing Somaliland’s aspirations to wider international attention.
The speeches underscored the administration’s emphasis on diplomacy, regional stability and domestic unity. While officials expressed optimism about the recent visits, the specific agreements or formal diplomatic commitments resulting from the trips were not detailed in the statements provided.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
