Hargeisa – According to a report from Middle East 24, sources within several African media outlets have confirmed that the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and 20 other countries are in the final stages of an agreement to recognize the Republic of Somaliland in the coming months.
The report further added that Somaliland is also expected to join the Abraham Accords, a series of diplomatic normalization agreements with Israel. This move is anticipated to be a historic diplomatic shift with a significant impact on the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East region.
The President of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has previously informed the public and the media on several occasions that international recognition for Somaliland is imminent, and that crucial discussions related to this matter are ongoing.
As reported by local media, President Irro recently informed senior religious scholars in a meeting that Somaliland will be recognized this December, although he did not explicitly name the specific countries leading the recognition efforts.
In a speech to the community in Berbera last month, the President also stated that Somaliland will be formally recognized during his term in office, and that the people of Berbera will soon reunite in celebration of Somaliland’s recognition.
Furthermore, in remarks made days ago in the city of Ceerigaabo during a peace conference, the President revealed that he has sent letters requesting recognition to world leaders. He stated that he has received positive responses and that global leaders are embracing Somaliland’s cause.
Since his election, President Irro has visited the United Arab Emirates three times to attend international forums. Beyond these public engagements, the details of his other meetings with UAE leadership have not been officially disclosed. However, the UAE, which is the largest investor in Somaliland, is widely seen as privately championing its recognition drive.
On another front, the President is scheduled to visit the United States soon, a country that is currently at the forefront of Somaliland’s recognition efforts. This is evidenced by the significant lobbying from numerous members of both houses of the U.S. legislature, who are actively advocating for the formal recognition of Somaliland. This push coincides with the upcoming introduction of official bills in congressional committees calling for this very action.
Given the ongoing diplomatic activities and the assertive statements from President Irro, a sense of optimism has been instilled among many Somalilanders. A segment of the populace believes the President is aware of underlying agreements that will soon lead to recognition, judging by his confident assertions that it is close at hand.
