By Jama Ayaanle Feyte present at the Hudson institute
Washington D.C: – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), delivered a comprehensive and historic speech at the Hudson Institute, a prestigious international research and strategic policy center in Washington D.C.
The Hudson Institute is a global center for research and strategy that has long held significant influence over U.S. debates regarding national security, defense, foreign policy, and the international order. It has previously hosted many world-renowned leaders, including former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Dick Cheney, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, and Mike Pompeo.
The President’s speech, titled “Somaliland as a Strategic Partner in the Horn of Africa,” focused on the Republic of Somaliland’s vision for the security of the Horn of Africa, the stability of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, strategic cooperation, trade and investment, and the role Somaliland can play in the shared interests of the United States and its allies.
President Abdirahman Irro stated that for over thirty years, Somaliland has built a functioning state, strong national institutions, a growing economy, and a free market. He also noted that the Republic of Somaliland has held numerous free and fair elections, resulting in several peaceful transfers of power.
The President clearly highlighted that for more than twenty years, no terrorist attacks have occurred within Somaliland’s territory. The nation has successfully protected its land and shores from extremism and piracy. He underlined that Somaliland achieved these significant milestones despite the lack of international recognition.
Speaking on the legal and historical right to Somaliland’s sovereignty, the President said:

”Somaliland does not seek to change the borders left behind by colonialism; it seeks to regain the borders it officially held.”
“Our argument is not one of secession, but rather it is based on the restoration of the independence and sovereignty that Somaliland gained on June 26, 1960, and the upholding of the international colonial borders, which is in full alignment with the principles of the African Union.”
Our debate is not about secession; it is based on the collapse of the union in which we perished and the restoration of our statehood, anchored in the colonial borders recognized by the world, which existed before the 1960 union.
The President noted that since the Republic of Somaliland regained its independence, geopolitical changes taking place across the world and the Horn of Africa have further strengthened the convergence of shared interests between Somaliland and the United States.
Speaking about Somalia, the President of the Republic of Somaliland said:
“The Somali government lacks the legal authority and power to govern outside Mogadishu, and it has become the epicenter of instability in the Horn of Africa. Somalia has not only failed to govern its people and its country; it has also used its sovereignty as a political weapon to cripple Somaliland.”
The President of the Republic of Somaliland clearly explained the security and stability in Somaliland and how the US government can rely on Somaliland, saying:
“For 35 years, Somaliland has not been involved in any incidents or attacks against American soldiers; our land and waters have not been used to threaten any ship or aircraft owned by America. Somaliland has never become a haven where groups opposed to America take refuge.”
In his speech, the President of Somaliland highlighted the important location in which Somaliland lies—among the world’s most strategic waterways and energy corridors—which enables the United States to have in this region a reliable friend and gives it the ability to protect its vital strategic interests without relying on only one side.
He underscored that Somaliland offers the United States an option and a reliable friend, which it does not currently have on this coast.
On the other hand, the President of the Republic of Somaliland particularly noted that the recognition of Israel reflects a new shift toward the Horn of Africa, as governments now move beyond outdated diplomatic practices and base their assessment on shared security interests.
The President underscored that Somaliland and Israel are two democratic countries located on the two shores of the Red Sea, working together for stability, prosperity, and security in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
The speech by the President of the Republic of Somaliland at the international Hudson Institute reinforces the diplomatic efforts of the Republic of Somaliland and its goal that the international community truly understand its historical background, the will of its people, its democratic system, and the geographical and strategic importance Somaliland holds for the world.
The speech by the President of the Republic of Somaliland was a clear message to Washington and Somaliland’s friends: Somaliland is ready for strategic cooperation based on shared interests, mutual respect, peace, security, and lasting development
About the Author: Jama Ayaanle Feyte is a journalist, Horn of Africa security specialist, and political analyst focused on governance, conflict resolution, and regional integration.
