By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin, Hargeisa, Somaliland.
In a landslide election that marked a historic moment for Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi “Ciro” rose to power as the country’s new President, promising to deliver the recognition efforts with due credit championed by his predecessor,Former President Muse Bixi Abdi, that Somaliland has sought since its secession from Somalia in 1991. Bolstered by widespread support at home and a carefully curated diplomatic team led by his newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, President Ciro is setting Somaliland on a bold and decisive path toward international legitimacy.
Faced with complex geopolitical rivalries and regional challenges, Ciro’s administration has approached the question of recognition with unprecedented vigor, implementing a multifaceted strategy designed to secure Somaliland’s place on the global stage.
A Unified Leadership for Somaliland’s Aspirations
President Ciro, a seasoned statesman and a unifying figure for Somalilanders, has wasted no time in recalibrating the nation’s foreign policy. His administration’s approach is marked by pragmatism and bold initiatives, underscored by his Foreign Affairs Minister and the appointments of seasoned diplomats with deep ties across Africa, the Gulf, and the West.
In his inaugural speech, Ciro pledged to “leave no stone unturned” in securing recognition, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, global alliances, and demonstrating Somaliland’s undeniable value as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa.
At the same time, Ciro has prioritized peace and development in the eastern regions of Sool and Sanaag, which have long been a focal point of Mogadishu’s destabilizing strategies supported by China and Egypt to undermine Somaliland’s sovereignty. As part of his campaign pledge, Ciro has appointed top peace envoys to mediate with local clans, promote reconciliation, and deliver government services to these regions. His administration has also appointed federal minsters representing the eastern regions of Somaliland to ensure that Sool and Sanaag are fully integrated into Somaliland’s governance, laying the groundwork for lasting peace and prosperity.
“We are a nation that has proved itself—through peace, democracy, and governance. Now is the time for the world to recognize Somaliland for what it is: a sovereign state contributing to regional and global stability,” President Ciro declared.
Reinforcing the Somaliland-Ethiopia Strategic Alliance
Central to President Ciro’s strategy is the MoU signed with Ethiopia in 2024, granting Addis Ababa long-term access to the Berbera Port for military and commercial use. Recognizing Ethiopia’s growing reliance on Somaliland as a vital trade route, Ciro has worked to deepen this alliance.
His administration is finalizing key infrastructure projects, such as the Berbera Corridor, while ensuring Ethiopia remains fully invested in Somaliland’s stability. Ciro has also positioned Somaliland as a neutral mediator in the Ethiopia-Egypt GERD dispute, preventing tensions from spilling over into the Somaliland-Ethiopia partnership.
By demonstrating to Addis Ababa that Somaliland is its most stable and reliable maritime partner, President Ciro has ensured that Ethiopia’s support for Somaliland’s sovereignty becomes an indispensable part of Addis Ababa’s long-term geopolitical strategy.
Somalia’s recent collaboration with Ethiopia to secure Red Sea access has presented a direct challenge to Somaliland’s control of its coastline. President Ciro’s response has been firm and strategic.
Under his leadership, Somaliland is strengthening its maritime security infrastructure, working with global partners such as the U.S., NATO, and regional allies like the U.A.E., to ensure that its waters remain secure and its sovereignty respected. His administration has also launched a robust diplomatic campaign to highlight Somalia’s internal instability and demonstrate why Somaliland is the region’s most reliable partner for trade and governance.
On the domestic front, Ciro has worked tirelessly to counter Mogadishu’s influence in Sool and Sanaag. His peace envoys have focused on grassroots reconciliation efforts, building trust with local communities, and addressing grievances that have been exploited by the Mogadishu regime. This approach is designed not only to strengthen Somaliland’s internal cohesion but also to present a united front to the international community.
“We are the gateway to stability in the Horn of Africa,” the Foreign Affairs Minister recently stated. “Somalia’s chaotic ambitions cannot undermine the stability and progress that Somaliland represents.”
Navigating the Ankara Agreement and Regional Rivalries
The Ankara Agreement between Turkey, Ethiopia, and Somalia presented Somaliland with a significant challenge, given Turkey’s opposition to Somaliland’s independence. President Ciro’s approach to this alliance has been both measured and innovative.
Ciro has sought to compartmentalize Ethiopia’s relationship with Turkey and Somalia, ensuring that Ethiopia’s deepening ties with Ankara do not jeopardize its reliance on Somaliland. Meanwhile, the administration has opened discreet channels with Turkey, inviting Turkish businesses to invest in neutral sectors such as energy and agriculture, signaling Somaliland’s openness to economic collaboration despite political disagreements.
Similarly, President Ciro has made diplomatic overtures to Egypt, offering trade privileges at Berbera Port to offset Cairo’s concerns about Somaliland’s partnership with Ethiopia. By balancing these rivalries, Ciro is proving that Somaliland can be a pragmatic and constructive player in regional politics.
Defying Chinese Pressure Through Stronger Ties with Taiwan
China’s opposition to Somaliland’s strong relationship with Taiwan remains a significant obstacle. However, President Ciro has doubled down on his country’s commitment to Taiwan, framing the partnership as a shared commitment to democracy and mutual economic benefit.
Under Ciro’s leadership, Somaliland has broadened its alliances to counterbalance Chinese pressure. The administration has deepened ties with the U.S., EU, Japan, and India, presenting Somaliland as a reliable democratic ally in the Horn of Africa.
Winning Hearts in the International Community
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of President Ciro’s strategy is his administration’s proactive international outreach. In recent months, Somaliland has hosted high-level delegations from the U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, and various African nations. The administration has also ramped up efforts to engage the Somaliland diaspora in lobbying Western governments to support recognition.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has prioritized showcasing Somaliland’s democratic success story, its respect for human rights, and its role as a regional stabilizer. By presenting Somaliland as a beacon of democracy and a bulwark against extremism in the Horn of Africa, President Ciro is reshaping how the world views the unrecognized state.
A Future of Recognition on the Horizon
Under President Ciro’s leadership, Somaliland is closer than ever to achieving its goal of international recognition. His administration’s pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to diplomacy has positioned Somaliland as a vital partner in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.
And now, a new and historic opportunity has emerged. The United States has signaled its acknowledgment of Somaliland’s democracy, stability, and strategic importance by announcing plans to establish a diplomatic office in Hargeisa. This landmark decision marks the first concrete step by a major power toward formal recognition.
President Ciro’s administration is already preparing to leverage this development to further Somaliland’s case on the international stage. Simultaneously, the President’s top peace envoys are working tirelessly to bring peace and prosperity to the eastern regions of Sool and Sanaag, ensuring the unity and strength of Somaliland as a nation.
Though challenges remain—Somalia’s opposition, regional rivalries, and global geopolitical pressures—Ciro’s administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to overcoming them. With U.S. backing and growing support from other nations, Somaliland’s long-awaited recognition may finally be within reach.