Hornpost
Somaliland President Addresses Nation Following Israel’s Historic Recognition.
Hargeisa — The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), on Thursday addressed the nation in a historic speech following Israel’s decision to become the first country to officially recognize Somaliland’s independence.
In his national address, President Irro described the moment as one of profound historical significance, marking the culmination of more than three decades of peaceful self-governance, democratic practice, and constitutional order in Somaliland.
“I am the happiest person in the world today. The historic address on the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland. Excellence, all way leaders, distinguished delegates, partners, all Somalilanders, today I address you at a moment of historic significance for the Republic of Somaliland. After more than three decades of peaceful self-governance, constitutional order and democratic practice, Somaliland has received formal international recognition as a sovereign and independent state. This development affirms an objective reality that has long existed. Somaliland meets the legal, political and institutional criteria of statehood under international law”
President Irro expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Israel for what he described as a courageous and principled decision.
“I express my wholehearted appreciation to the State of Israel for its brave decision which reflects both historical continuity and confidence in Somaliland’s administrative commitment to peace, stability and responsible governance.”
He emphasized that Somaliland’s state-building journey has been rooted in reconciliation, indigenous peacebuilding, and institutional development rather than conflict or external intervention.
“Somaliland’s journey has been defined not by conflict but by reconciliation, not by external intervention but by indigenous peacebuilding, and not by instability but by sustained institutional development. Our people rebuilt their state through dialogue, constitutional process and rule of law.”
Addressing regional concerns, the President reassured neighboring countries and the international community that Somaliland’s recognition does not pose a threat to peace.
“We give assurance that Somaliland’s recognition is not directed against any state, nor does it pose a threat to regional peace. On the contrary, clarity of status contributes to stability.”
President Abdirahman Irro noted that international recognition will enhance cooperation, security, and economic integration across Africa and the Red Sea region, while also addressing relations with Somalia.
“Regarding Somalia, we confirm that the people of Somaliland and the people of Somalia share bonds of history, culture, faith and economic interdependence. However, shared ties do not require political unification under a single state”
President Irro stated that past unity arrangements failed and no longer reflect political realities.
“Somaliland voluntarily joined the Somali Republic, but that arrangement failed. The name of the Somali Republic no longer exists in the recent constitutions of either Somaliland or Somalia.”
He stressed that pursuing unity that no longer exists risks prolonging division rather than healing it.
“The lesson of that experience is clear. The pursuit of a unity that no longer exists risks prolonging division rather than healing it. Our people chose a different path grounded in peace, self-determination and responsibility”
Turning to regional and international partners, the President reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
“As sovereign neighbors, Somaliland and Somalia can operate more effectively in peace, trade, security and regional development.”
He also addressed Arab and Muslim nations, emphasizing Somaliland’s Islamic identity and balanced foreign policy.
“To our brothers in the Arab and Muslim world, Somaliland is a Muslim nation deeply rooted in Islamic values of moderation, justice and coexistence. Our foreign policy is guided by balance, respect and adherence to international norms.”
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) underlined that Somaliland’s recognition does not align it against any nation or bloc.
“Somaliland’s recognition does not present alignment against any Islamic nation or community. Somaliland remains committed to peaceful coexistence, constructive diplomacy and mutually respectful relations with all nations”
In his concluding remarks, the President Abdirahman Irro reaffirmed Somaliland’s readiness to assume full responsibilities within international institutions.
“We reaffirm Somaliland’s readiness to be admitted to full membership in international and regional organizations. This moment represents not an end, but a historic and responsible beginning guided by cooperation, regional integration, multilateralism and a shared commitment to peace. Thank you.” Concluded his speech The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro).
The address marks a defining moment in Somaliland’s diplomatic history, as international attention now turns to how recognition may reshape political, economic, and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
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Prepared by:
Abdikarim Saed Salah
Horn post Staff Reporter
Hargeisa Somaliland.
