He however stressed that Somaliland will never compromise the defense of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national existence
By M.A. Egge
The response of the Republic of Somaliland to the calls of war and confrontation will not be driven by emotions or reckless militarism but will instead be guided by political wisdom, unified national defense, and responsible diplomacy.
The sentim3ents were expressed by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro as he addressed the hostile rhetoric, incitement, and aggressive statements issued by certain countries opposed to the recognition granted to the Republic of Somaliland by the Government of Israel.
The Head of State was speaking at a major luncheon he threw for top members of the three arms of government at the Presidency on Friday as he hosted a National State Luncheon amid a high-level briefing that reinforced national unity and purpose.
The luncheon brought together the Legislative branch, the Judiciary, and the Executive branch, alongside chairs of constitutional bodies, commanders of the various national security forces, presidential advisers, and other distinguished national guests.
The gathering, described as carrying deep national significance, reflected unity, collective responsibility, and political maturity.
The President delivered a comprehensive and forward-looking address, explaining that the purpose of the meeting was to provide a general national briefing, reinforce national unity, and ensure a coordinated intellectual and institutional response to the new phase the country has entered following international recognition.
The President addressed the hostile rhetoric, incitement, and aggressive statements issued by certain countries opposed to the recognition granted to the Republic of Somaliland by the Government of Israel. He stated clearly that Somaliland harbors no hostility or ill-will towards any nation, emphasizing that Somaliland has chosen the path of statehood, peace, stability, and coexistence.
He however stressed that Somaliland will never compromise the defense of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national existence.
President Abdirahman Irro underlined that Somaliland’s response to calls for war or confrontation will not be driven by emotion or reckless militarism, but will instead be grounded in political wisdom, unified national defense, and responsible diplomacy.
Speaking on the significance of recognition to the people of Somaliland, the President stated “Recognition is not a gift that is given freely. We earned it through a long struggle, responsibility, stability, the democratic system we have built, good governance, and the promotion of a free-market economy”.
He continued, “Somaliland has established a fully functioning state that protects its land and its people, and it plays an important role in maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. The world has acknowledged Somaliland as a responsible and reliable partner. That is what accelerated Somaliland’s recognition.”
The President further reaffirmed that Somaliland’s existence and recognition pose no threat to any country, stressing that Somaliland’s independence and recognition are the legitimate will and right of its people, who seek to live with dignity, peace, and security in their own country.
Reflecting on Somaliland’s long-standing history and sovereignty, President Abdirahman Irro made it clear that,” We proudly declare that the Republic of Somaliland is a nation and a people with a deep-rooted history. It was the first Somali territory to gain independence, and it sacrificed that independence in pursuit of creating a Greater Somalia—an aspiration that ultimately failed”.
He observed, “Djibouti stands alone, the Somali Region is part of Ethiopia, and the NFD is part of Kenya”, and then posed the query, “ Somalis must ask themselves what justification remains for forcibly uniting Somalia and Somaliland?”