“It’s a matter of time. Not if, but when and who will lead the recognition of Somaliland,” says Pres Irro.

The Somaliland independence has never been internationally recognised. Insiders say recent US overtures are encouraging – but the consequences could be inflammatory in the tinderbox region

The new president of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro says his state, which reclaimed its independence from Somalia in 1991, is on the brink of securing international recognition.

In an interview in the presidential palace in the capital, Hargeisa, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi tells the Guardian it is “likely” that Somaliland will finally win acceptance of its right to self-determination, which has eluded the territory since it reclaimed its independence from Somalia 34 years ago.

“Recognition is on the horizon,” says  Irro.

Despite its relative stability and regular democratic elections, Somaliland, a territory of about five million people, has yet to be recognised as independent by a single nation.

“It’s a matter of time. Not if, but when and who will lead the recognition of Somaliland,” says Pres Irro.

That goal, say Somaliland sources, has never been closer amid signs that the US president, Donald Trump, could be the first leader to recognise the self-declared republic in return for building a military base near the port of Berbera, a strategic location on the Gulf of Aden.

We are a partner in security … a partner in counter-terrorism … a partner in safe marine routes for world trade-President Abdullahi

Abdullahi revealed that US military officials, including the Horn of Africa’s most senior officer, have recently visited Hargeisa. Another Washington delegation is expected to “evaluate the asset [Berbera]”.

A key US military base, Camp Lemonnier, is located in neighbouring Djibouti but concern is growing over Chinese influence there as Beijing continues to strengthen its ties with Africa.

Project 2025, the alleged blueprint for the second Trump presidency, proposes the recognition of Somaliland as a “hedge against the US’s deteriorating position in Djibouti”.

In April, US aircraft carriers off the coast of Somaliland played a part in US bombing raids on Yemen, responding to Houthi rebels’ disruption of Red Sea shipping lanes.

The US has yet to announce any formal arrangement with Somaliland, but Abdullahi said they were embedded in attempts to safeguard global maritime trade.

“We are a partner in security. We are a partner in counter-terrorism. We are a partner in safe marine routes for world trade,” says Abdullahi, who was sworn in as president five months ago. In that time, he says, the US ambassador to Somalia has visited him three times.

The Trump administration is split over its approach to Somalia, which still considers Somaliland part of its territory.

Recent gains by al- Shabaab Islamist militants have raised questions in the Trump administration over the worth of US counter-terrorism operations in Somalia. The withdrawal of US personnel and the closure of the US embassy in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, has been mooted..

Sources indicate that elements of the Trump team want to drop the US’s longstanding “one Somalia” policy. Ditching support for Somalia’s weak central government would pave the way to officially recognise Somaliland.

“The US and maybe other international partners will [soon] have to recalculate their policies regarding Somalia,” says Abdullahi.

The former defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, a prominent advocate for recognition of the ex-British protectorate, believes a recalculation is very much under way.

Williamson, speaking to the Guardian earlier this month, said US officials had assured him that recognition for Somaliland would happen.

“I was talking to a few people this week and the thing I was getting from them is that it [recognition] is getting there. They’ve already started shifting away from the one Somalia policy.”

Williamson, like Abdullahi, believes recognition will happen by 2028 at the latest. He adds: “Before President Trump’s term ends, the US will have recognised Somaliland. My hope is that within a year we will have the first country within the United Nations to have recognised Somaliland.”

Bashe Omar, former representative of Somaliland to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), says US officials he met recently in Abu Dhabi were “frustrated” at the one-Somalia policy.

“What we are hearing, behind the scenes, is encouraging us. The US is moving in the right direction.”

Also waiting in the wings is the UAE, one of Trump’s closer allies, which has invested more than $442m to modernise Berbera’s port and a highway linking it to Ethiopia, a landlocked country that desperately wants maritime access.

Ethiopia’s desire for access to the sea remains a key geopolitical theme of the region, prompting a bitter diplomatic dispute last year after the signing of a deal with Somaliland to build a port.

The deal was reportedly made on the condition that Addis Ababa would recognise Somaliland.

The development enraged Somalia, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict with Egypt backing Somalia largely over its anger with Ethiopia for building a dam on the Nile.

Officially, the US state department continues to assert that it “recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Somalia. A statement added that it was “not in discussions” with Somaliland to recognise it as a state.

Another factor remains, however farfetched it might seem, that could yet prove significant: the proposed resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza to the African breakaway state.

Palestinians have been moving here for a long time, since 2004, 2005. Somaliland welcomes all refugees

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, recently suggested that operations in Gaza would not end until the forced displacement of all its Palestinians had taken place.

Trump has talked of the US relocating Gaza’s population to allow the strip to be remodelled into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

Aidrous Osman Hussain, deputy director of Somaliland’s refugee department, says Palestinians have considered Somaliland a destination since the second intifada.

“Palestinians have been moving here for a long time, since 2004, 2005. Somaliland welcomes all refugees.”

Currently there are 12 Palestinian families, but officials say they are happy for the numbers to grow.

“The people of Somaliland, the community of Hargeisa, wants to help refugees,” says Hussain.

Almost 23,000 refugees of different nationalities have moved to Somaliland with 2,875 arriving last year. More than 300 Sudanese families have arrived there since its brutal civil war began and Somaliland’s population of Syrians, who left during the civil war, numbers about 2,000 people.

One Syrian family, who fled fierce fighting Damascus in 2023, describes Hargeisa as perfect for Muslims; Syrian restaurants, supermarkets and dentists are dotted throughout the capital.

As he verified his family’s paperwork at the refugee processing facility in the Sha’ab area of Hargeisa, Hassan says: “Somalilanders are Muslim; here it is safe for us and our family.”

Hassan, who did not want to share his surname, adds: “The most important thing that mattered to me was security. Here, it’s a very open community and we integrate well.”

Yet to help further, Somaliland needs international recognition to access more help from the wider community.

Hussain adds: “If Somaliland gets recognition, we can help share the burden; we can help more people.

Abdullahi, flanked by nodding advisers, says the US is yet to officially float the prospect of resettling people from Gaza.

“We are a hospitable people. They, the Palestinians, are our brothers. If they decide to come on their own, we don’t mind.

“But there is no discussion on that issue with the Palestinians or with any other country.”

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The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Abdilahi Jama Osman Geeljire, alongside senior ministry officials, held a pivotal meeting with UNICEF representatives Abigail Tevera and Suhur Qaasin at the ministry’s headquarters. The discussions centered on deepening collaboration to address critical environmental challenges.

The meeting marked the launch of a new phase of partnership focused on environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and research initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance environmental services and safeguard community well-being across Somaliland.

Minister Geeljire underscored the ministry’s commitment to fostering a sustained partnership with UNICEF, emphasizing that such cooperation could be instrumental in achieving lasting progress in combating climate change impacts and promoting environmental sustainability.

Both parties agreed to collaborate closely on developing practical plans to improve Somaliland’s environment and enhance the quality of life for its communities. This partnership signals a significant step toward a greener, more resilient future for the region.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa-Somaliland’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, H.E. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, today hosted a senior German delegation led by Deputy Ambassador Martin Stein at the Ministry’s headquarters. Director General Mohamed Hassan Saleeban attended the meeting.NJ loo

Minister Aden expressed Somaliland’s appreciation for Germany’s sustained development support, highlighting transformative projects in water infrastructure and vocational training institutes. He reaffirmed commitment to deepening bilateral ties and ensuring mutual benefits through strategic initiatives.

Deputy Ambassador Stein commended Somaliland’s “effective governance and cooperation,” noting robust diplomatic engagement between both parties. He confirmed Germany’s readiness to expand collaboration with Hargeisa.

The delegation received progress briefings on German-supported projects and identified future cooperation priorities.

Somaliland President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”, met with Kenyan President William Ruto earlier today in Nairobi, a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties between the two East African nations. The meeting, held at State House, comes on the heels of opening of a diplomatic mission in Kenya, underscoring Somaliland’s push for regional cooperation and international recognition.

President Irro described the reception as warm and brotherly, stating, “Today, we were warmly welcomed in a brotherly manner at the State House in Kenya by President William Ruto. We discussed the interests of both nations and reached a good understanding.”

The inauguration was marked by a speech from Mandera West MP Yusuf Adan Haji, who apologized for past issues and expressed optimism for future relations between Kenya and Somaliland, highlighting a pastoralist connection with Kenyan President William Ruto. “Kenya, under President Ruto’s leadership – a pastoralist himself – extends a warm welcome.

We apologize for past issues and look to a brighter future together.” —Mandera West MP Yusuf Adan Haji, stated at Somaliland’s Nairobi mission inauguration.”

President Irro, who was inaugurated as Somaliland’s president on December 12, 2024, in Hargeisa, has prioritized regional diplomacy since taking office.

Somaliland President’s visit to Kenya, aligns with his administration’s goal of strengthening ties with key neighbors. A key highlight of the trip was the official opening of Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Nairobi, a move intended to formalize relations and facilitate cooperation on trade, security, and cultural exchange. The mission, part of the Partnership Framework for Somaliland, is seen as a strategic effort to enhance Somaliland’s visibility despite its lack of international recognition.

In a positive development for Somaliland’s economy, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, announced a consistent rise in national revenue during the 21st session of the Somaliland Council of Ministers. The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace, was chaired by Vice President and Acting President, H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi.

Delivering a detailed report on the country’s economic status, Minister Adan highlighted the successful progress in tax collection, particularly the Goods and Services Tax (GST). “The national revenue is growing steadily, day by day,” he affirmed, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing financial reforms.

In a significant step toward enhancing resource management, the Minister revealed that the Ministries of Finance and Mining and Energy have collaborated to establish a Resource Revenue Framework. This initiative aims to accurately track and optimize revenue generated from Somaliland’s diverse mineral resources.

The announcement signals a promising outlook for Somaliland’s economic stability and growth, with the government’s strategic efforts to strengthen fiscal policies and resource management taking center stage.

The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), in partnership with the Somaliland Banking Association (SLBA), inaugurated a two-day training program on Professional Financial Journalism today at Beder Hotel in Hargeisa. The initiative brought together 30 journalists from private media, government outlets, and independent reporters to enhance their skills in economic and financial reporting.

Now in its second year, the training underscores the critical role of the media in promoting financial literacy and supporting Somaliland’s economic development. The program focuses on equipping journalists with the tools to effectively cover financial and economic issues, thereby fostering greater public awareness and understanding of financial matters.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, representatives from SOLJA’s leadership, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Trade, and other distinguished guests. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort to strengthen the media’s capacity to contribute to Somaliland’s economic growth.

The training covers key areas such as economic reporting, financial journalism techniques, and the media’s role in raising public awareness about financial literacy. Participants are expected to gain practical skills to produce high-quality, impactful stories that inform and educate the public on financial matters.

SOLJA and SLBA emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building a knowledgeable media landscape that supports Somaliland’s economic aspirations. The program is seen as a step toward empowering journalists to play a pivotal role in the nation’s development by bridging the gap between complex financial concepts and public understanding.

#FinancialJournalism #Somaliland #Banking #FinancialLiteracy