In a wide-ranging interview on Sky News Arabic’s program “Logic,” Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro firmly defended his country’s independence and expressed optimism for greater international recognition following Israel’s groundbreaking decision to become the first nation to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on December 26, 2025.
The president emphasized that Somaliland’s restoration of independence on May 18, 1991—following the collapse of the Somali state—was not secession but a return to its original sovereignty. He highlighted that Somaliland had been an independent state on June 26, 1960, recognized by over 35 countries before voluntarily uniting with Somalia (then Italian Somaliland) to form a unified Somali Republic. “We are not seceding from Somalia; we were a sovereign state before the union,” Abdullahi stated, noting the heavy price paid during the union, including over 200,000 deaths and nearly a million displaced during the struggle against the Somalia government.
Addressing the future of relations with Mogadishu, the president indicated that divorce appears final, with no near-term prospect of reunification. He described Somaliland as a fully functioning state with its own institutions, stability, peace, army, police, passport, and currency—achievements he said the world has witnessed over three decades.
The interview spotlighted Israel’s recognition as a major milestone, which Abdullahi welcomed as validating Somaliland’s “historical, legal, and moral entitlements to statehood.” He expressed hope that it would encourage further recognitions from Arab, Islamic, African, Latin American, and Asian countries, noting that Somaliland had sent letters to 193 UN member states ahead of the anniversary. While acknowledging misunderstandings—particularly among some Arab nations—he urged reconsideration, insisting there would be “no retreat” from the independence path. The president dismissed concerns over potential costs or involvement in unrelated issues like Gaza, focusing instead on mutual benefits and peaceful cooperation.
On the economic front, Abdullahi highlighted Somaliland’s strategic assets, particularly the Port of Berbera, modernized through a major investment by DP World (nearly half a billion dollars), handling over a million tons annually and serving as a logistics hub for landlocked countries like Ethiopia via the Berbera Corridor. He welcomed investments from Arab companies and others in oil, industries, free zones, and infrastructure, describing relations with the UAE as “excellent” and based on mutual interest. The president expressed confidence that Israeli recognition would attract more investors, citing Somaliland’s stability, resources (minerals, oil, gas, livestock, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism potential), and openness to all partners.
Regarding regional geopolitics, Abdullahi stressed Somaliland’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, opposition to instability or proxy wars, and vigilance against terrorism, which he said does not exist in Somaliland due to community-wide rejection. He noted engagement on security matters but maintained a non-aligned, friendly stance toward neighbors.
The president asserted citizen satisfaction with Somaliland’s achievements and self-reliance despite limited international recognition, crediting resilience for transforming places like Berbera into a booming regional hub.
The interview comes amid mixed global reactions to Israel’s move, with celebrations in Somaliland contrasted by condemnations from Somalia, the African Union, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and others reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity. Abdullahi remains optimistic, viewing the recognition as opening doors for broader acceptance and investment without compromising Somaliland’s peaceful, sovereign path.