Hornpost
Somaliland President Warns Foreign Powers, Defends Recognition, and Reaffirms Sovereignty.
Hargeisa, Somaliland (Horn post) President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), on Thursday delivered a wide-ranging and strongly worded address at a National State Luncheon convened in Hargeisa, bringing together the three constitutional branches of the state, senior government officials, heads of constitutional bodies, military commanders, presidential advisers, and other high-level national guests.
In his remarks, President Irro addressed Somaliland’s international recognition, escalating tensions in eastern regions, foreign involvement in Las Anod, and what he described as “open interference” by the Federal Government of Somalia and some external actors.
Warning to Regional and International Actors:
The President stated that Somaliland maintains goodwill toward countries including Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti, but made it clear that relations would be assessed based on concrete actions.
“We hold goodwill toward Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti,” President Cirro said. “However, I want to be clear: we will record, on a clean page, both the good and the harm that every country inflicts upon the people of Somaliland.”
He further alleged that Turkish aircraft have been transporting troops and weapons into Las Anod, describing the move as a dangerous escalation.
Somalia’s Actions Labeled Provocative:
President Irro sharply criticized visits by senior officials of Somalia’s Federal Government to Las Anod, calling them “provocative acts and naked interference without any justification.”
President Irro warned the international community that Somalia’s actions risk undermining peace and stability not only in Somaliland but across the Horn of Africa.
“The steps taken by the government in Mogadishu will have direct consequences for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa,” he said.
Drawing historical parallels, President Irro recalled the collapse of the Siad Barre regime, once considered one of the strongest governments in sub-Saharan Africa.
“The world once acknowledged Siad Barre’s regime as among the most powerful in Black Africa. Somalis should ask themselves where that government ended,” he said. “I believe its grave was dug in Hargeisa. Its planes and tanks now hang in the markets of Hargeisa. Today, I say to Hassan Sheikh: bring whatever remnants are left.”
Somaliland’s Recognition and Historical Context:
The President highlighted 26 December 2025 as a historic milestone, describing it as Somaliland’s second international recognition.
“Our first recognition was on 26 June 1960, when Somaliland became the first Somali-speaking territory to gain independence,” he noted. “On both occasions, the first country to recognize Somaliland was Israel. Recognition is a path that has opened, and more partners will soon follow, God willing.”
President irro stressed that recognition is not a gift but the result of decades of struggle and achievement.
“Recognition is not given freely. We earned it through a long struggle, through good governance, democracy, accountability, stability, and our commitment to a free-market system,” he said.
The president added that Somaliland has built a fully functioning state capable of protecting its territory and people and contributing meaningfully to regional stability in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
Addressing Opposition to Recognition:
President Irro acknowledged that a small number of countries remain uneasy about Somaliland’s recognition.
“Some fear that Somaliland’s recognition could harm their interests, others are driven by misinformation or emotion,” he said. “We are ready to sit down, to explain, and to persuade. In some cases, the fear stems from hostility toward Somaliland; in others, from ignorance of our history”
Somaliland President reaffirmed that Somaliland’s existence and recognition are inherent rights of its people.
“The existence and recognition of Somaliland are rights that belong exclusively to our people and our country. We seek to live with dignity and honor.”
On Somali Unity and Territorial Defense:
Responding to advocates of Somali unity, President Irro questioned the practicality of reviving a failed project.
“Somaliland is a nation and a people with a deep and unique history,” he said. “It was the first Somali territory to gain independence and sacrificed that independence for the dream of a Greater Somalia—a dream that failed. Djibouti stands alone, the fifth Somali region is in Ethiopia, and NFD is part of Kenya. What, then, makes it compulsory for Somaliland and Somalia to remain united forever?”
President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) issued a firm warning on national defense, declaring that Somaliland would defend its territory at all costs.
“My people—men and women, young and old—are ready to defend Somaliland with their blood,” he said. “We call on our citizens to prepare for national defense. Somaliland is not attacking anyone, but whoever attacks Somaliland will be taught lessons they will never forget.”
On Las Anod, President Irro stated that Somaliland has no intention of launching an offensive but warned against the town being used as a launchpad for external aggression.
“I am not invading Las Anod,” he said. “But I warn against turning Las Anod into a base from which Somaliland is attacked.”
Regional Cooperation and Final Message:
President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) also expressed appreciation for cooperation with Puntland’s leadership, noting joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Concluding his address, the President urged unity and preparedness among Somalilanders.
“My final message is unity and readiness for national defense,” President Irro said. “That is my last counsel to the people of Somaliland.”
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff Reporter
Hargeisa, Somaliland
