Hargeisa, Somaliland (Horn post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro visited the city of Gabiley during Eid al-Adha celebrations, where he joined residents in marking the Islamic holiday and delivered strong remarks on Somaliland’s sovereignty and relations with Somalia.
The Somaliland president thanked the people of Gabiley for what he described as a warm welcome and urged citizens to strengthen unity, peace, cooperation and the protection of Somaliland’s statehood.
While speaking in Gabiley, Irro responded to recent remarks made by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud regarding Somaliland.
“I heard the president of our neighboring country, Somalia, speaking during Eid about Somaliland and saying the Somaliland flag will never be raised in Jerusalem. I say to him: that matter has already passed you by,” President Irro said with laughter. “You are in no position to hold it back, neither by the hands nor by the feet.”
The Somaliland leader also referenced a traditional Somali story while criticizing the Somali president’s position on Somaliland recognition.
“There was a man from Burco nicknamed ‘Hooraaye’ who ran away with a woman cooking meat,” Irro said. “As she chased after him, he told her: ‘Forget the meat, don’t let the soup escape too.’ So, I say to Hassan: that matter has already passed you by. This flag bearing the Islamic declaration of faith is the same flag we once asked you to recognize. If you truly defend Tawhid, then recognize this flag.”
Irro also discussed the Somaliland-Somalia dialogue process initiated under former Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo.
“President Silanyo began talks with Somalia in London,” Irro said. “Do you know of any meaningful outcome from those talks? Somaliland is fully capable of defending its people and its territory.”
In his closing remarks, Irro warned Somalia against seeking support from other countries against Somaliland.
“I want to tell Hassan Sheikh and anyone standing with him: if you bring other governments against us, Somaliland today is not alone,” he said.
During his visit to Gabiley, the Somaliland president also held a broad meeting with community leaders, elders, intellectuals, businesspeople, traditional leaders, religious scholars and women’s groups from the Gabiley region.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa News Desk
