-Somaliland is a dependable ally, he assures the US
-US praise Somaliland role in promoting peace, regional stability, and democratic governance
By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, who is popularly known as Irro, assured the USA government that the government of Somaliland is a dependable ally as far as crucial bipartisan and associated relations are concerned.
The Head of State made the assurance as received on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), U.S. Deputy Ambassador Justin Davis, and a large delegation accompanying them who are on an official visit to Somaliland.
The meeting, which carried significant strategic importance, focused on strengthening cooperation between Somaliland and the United States—particularly in areas of security, regional stability, and the protection of shared interests in both the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
President Abdirahman Irro briefed the U.S. delegation on Somaliland’s role in promoting peace, regional stability, and democratic governance. He highlighted Somaliland’s strong commitment to securing its borders, combating extremist groups, and ensuring the safety of international maritime routes through the Gulf of Aden.
AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson noted Somaliland’s strategic geographical position, crucial to the security of the Red Sea and the broader Horn of Africa. He emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the two sides.
Deputy Ambassador Justin Davis praised Somaliland’s contributions to peace, maritime security, and regional stability, commending the country’s well-organized security forces and its stable political environment.
The Deputy Ambassador further stated that the United States views enhanced cooperation with Somaliland as important—particularly in strengthening security institutions and deepening bilateral ties.
The President reaffirmed Somaliland’s readiness to fully collaborate with the United States to bolster regional security and counter emerging threats, including those driven by major-power rivalries around the Red Sea and destabilizing activities by armed groups in the region.
He also underscored the broad opportunities for cooperation in defense, economic development, investment, and essential public services. He stressed that Somaliland is a reliable partner for the United States, located in one of the most strategic areas of the Horn of Africa.
He added that U.S. security and strategic interests in East Africa are closely aligned with the recognition of Somaliland, given Somaliland’s functioning democratic system, its national forces that have maintained stability for over 30 years and its strategic location central to U.S. regional policy.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to deepen security cooperation, expand strategic operations, and jointly work to safeguard the Red Sea and ensure stability across the Horn of Africa—paving the way for a long-term, results-oriented partnership.
The U.S. delegation later visited Berbera International Airport, the Berbera Port, and the coastal city of Berbera for further orientations.
The meeting of the President with the US visitors comes immediately after several similar high profile ones he had within the week with the EU, UK and Danish ambassadors.
Within the same period the Head of State had a hectic week in gracing crucial maiden major congresses held in charting policies in the transport sector and health investments in the country.