HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Thursday declared that Israel has formally recognized Somaliland, using his national address during celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of Somaliland’s independence on June 26, 1960, to defend his recent diplomatic outreach and highlight what he described as a historic breakthrough in Somaliland’s international recognition campaign.
Speaking at a large state ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, President Irro said Somaliland had not exclusively pursued relations with Israel, revealing that his administration had sent diplomatic requests to multiple countries worldwide.
“We did not choose Israel alone. We sent requests to countries across the world, and only two nations responded — Israel and Denmark,” President Irro said.
The Somaliland leader strongly defended his recent visit to Israel, dismissing criticism coming from Mogadishu after officials their questioned reports surrounding the diplomatic engagement.
“Today, Somaliland has been recognized by the State of Israel. It was genuine recognition. Although the government in Mogadishu claimed it was a prank, I proved it was not a joke when we visited Israel. The invitation was a State Visit, and that is something reserved for recognized heads of state,” he said.
President Irro Reflects on Somaliland’s Independence History and Recognition Journey
During the nationally televised speech, President Irro described June 26 as the defining birth date of Somaliland statehood, emphasizing that while Somalis everywhere celebrate the date, Somaliland alone holds historical ownership over it.
“June 26 is celebrated by Somalis everywhere, but Somaliland alone owns this day. It was the night Somaliland was born 66 years ago, and it is a historic moment our children must be taught and remember,” he said.
Irro used the anniversary speech to recount Somaliland’s modern political history — from independence in 1960, the failed union with Somalia, the armed struggle launched in 1981, and the restoration of sovereignty in 1991.
In one of the strongest historical remarks of the evening, the president claimed Somaliland had now secured its first new international recognition in modern times.
“Somaliland gained independence in 1960, lost that sovereignty shortly after, failed to reclaim it in 1961, began armed struggle in 1981, restored independence in 1991 — and received its first recognition again on December 26, 2025,” Irro declared.
Somaliland President Says Israel Was First Nation to Recognize Somaliland in 1960
President Irro also delivered a detailed historical account of countries that recognized Somaliland after independence from Britain in 1960, stressing that Israel was among the earliest nations to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty.
“On June 26, 1960, Somaliland was recognized as an independent country. The Soviet Union recognized us, Egypt recognized us, the United States recognized us, and Israel was among the first governments to officially recognize Somaliland,” he said.
He added that Somaliland’s history as a sovereign nation remains undeniable despite decades of political setbacks.
“Somaliland’s history is living history. Britain congratulated us and granted us independence. Ours has always been a nation that possessed sovereignty,” President Irro stated.
President Credits Former Somaliland Governments for Recognition Efforts
President Irro also acknowledged successive Somaliland administrations for their decades-long efforts in pursuing international recognition since 1991.
“Since 1991, the governments before me and all presidents who came before knocked on every door around the world, even where others were afraid to go,” he said.
Reflecting on his own return to Somaliland after years abroad, Irro referenced criticism he once faced over being part of the diaspora.
“I returned to Somaliland in 1999. Some previous governments used to criticize me and say I was simply a man from the diaspora,” he added.
The remarks come at a time of heightened diplomatic attention following President Irro’s recent visit to Israel, a trip increasingly viewed by supporters as one of Somaliland’s most consequential foreign policy moves in recent years.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
