In a rousing year-end address to his cabinet, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro delivered an optimistic message to the people of Somaliland, framing Israel’s historic recognition as the precursor to broader international acceptance.
“I bring good news to our people that many other nations are joining us on this path and will, God willing, recognize us,” President Irro declared. His statement fueled hope following Israel’s groundbreaking decision on December 26 to become the first United Nations member state to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty.
The president expressed deep gratitude to cabinet members, parliamentarians from both houses, political parties, the media, and civil society for their steadfast support in advancing Somaliland’s quest for global recognition. He emphasized the nation’s exceptional solidarity, describing it as “100% united” behind this objective.
In a pointed critique of opposition from Mogadishu, President Irro lauded Somaliland’s religious scholars as “heroes” for standing firmly with their people. He contrasted this with what he described as Somalia’s primary tactic of deploying clerics to undermine recognition efforts.
“Somalia’s main weapon in its campaign to block our recognition was the use of religious scholars. I thank our own scholars for proving themselves to be heroes of the people,” he stated.
Addressing international adversaries, the president urged citizens to remain clear-eyed and vigilant. “Somaliland has clearly identified the individuals and nations that have shown hostility toward our state and our people. We harbor no hostility toward others, but we must know our enemies, distinguish them from our friends, and label them accordingly. Our friends will remain our friends.”
To those dismayed by Somaliland’s progress, he issued a firm rebuttal: “Attend to your own affairs; no one can halt Somaliland’s recognition.”
Shifting focus to domestic security, President Irro issued a passionate call for collective vigilance, proposing that every citizen play an active role in safeguarding the nation.
“I propose that we all become guardians of our own security—that every citizen serves as a police officer, an intelligence agent, a peacekeeper, and a sentinel. We must unite,” he urged. “We need to strengthen that unity further and collectively protect this victory.”
As the year closes, President Irro’s address stands as a rallying cry for continued resilience and shared effort, positioning Somaliland on the brink of enhanced international legitimacy after more than three decades of de facto independence.
