Republic of Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has told diplomats, international organizations and development partners that his government has made significant progress in restoring peace, strengthening national institutions, expanding infrastructure and reducing electricity costs, while calling for deeper international engagement with Somaliland as a responsible and capable sovereign partner.
Addressing a gathering of ambassadors, heads of missions, representatives of international organizations and development partners in Nairobi, President Irro said his government had moved from making commitments at the beginning of its tenure to presenting evidence of what it has achieved during its first year and seven months in office.
“When I addressed many of you in this very forum shortly after assuming office, our government was only beginning its work,” the President said. “Today, I return not merely to restate those commitments, but to report on the progress we have made, the challenges we continue to confront, and the partnership we seek as we move forward.”
Peace and demobilization
President Irro placed peace and national reconciliation at the top of his government’s priorities, highlighting the restoration of peace in eastern Somaliland.
He said approximately 6,000 militia members had voluntarily surrendered their weapons and entered a government-led demobilization and military integration programme.
The President announced that the process had now been successfully completed, with the former combatants trained and integrated into the Somaliland National Army.
He also pointed to a separate conflict between two major communities that, he said, had been brought under control through sustained government engagement, traditional leadership and inclusive dialogue.
A government-sponsored reconciliation conference in Garissa was cited as an example of Somaliland’s longstanding approach of resolving disputes through dialogue, consensus and mutual respect.
“Peace remains the foundation upon which every other national objective must rest,” Irro said, adding that the conclusion of the conference had produced positive results aimed at consolidating peace in the region.
From four priorities to a broader development agenda
When his government first assumed office, President Irro said it identified four strategic productive sectors as key drivers of economic development: livestock, agriculture, fisheries and renewable energy.
However, he said implementation had demonstrated that these sectors could not achieve their full potential without modern infrastructure.
The government’s development priorities were therefore expanded to include investment in roads, water, energy, healthcare, education and communications.
“These are the essential pillars upon which sustainable economic transformation depends,” he said.
The President reiterated his government’s position that Somaliland is seeking partnership rather than dependence.
“We seek partnership, not dependency. We seek investment, not charity,” Irro told the gathering, emphasizing that Somaliland wanted relations based on mutual respect, shared interests and common responsibilities.
Israel recognition hailed as historic milestone
One of the most significant developments during his administration, President Irro said, was Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on 26 December 2025.
He described the decision as a historic diplomatic milestone and an affirmation of what Somaliland had built and defended over more than three decades.
“For the people of Somaliland, this was not merely a diplomatic milestone,” he said. “It was the affirmation of reality they had defended, sustained and strengthened over more than three decades.”
Irro acknowledged that the international response had been mixed, with some countries welcoming the development while others expressed reservations.
Nevertheless, he said Somaliland would remain firm in its belief that its statehood should be recognized on the basis of what it has demonstrated, including democratic governance, peaceful transfers of power, functioning institutions, responsible security and regional stability.
“Recognition is not the conclusion of our journey,” he said. “It is the natural consequence of what Somaliland has consistently demonstrated.”
President Irro conditions the resumption of talks with Somalia
President Irro also addressed Somaliland’s relationship with Somalia, saying his government remained committed to pursuing what he described as a Somaliland-led solution to the conflict in the eastern through dialogue, reconciliation and national consensus.
At the same time, he accused Somalia’s federal government of increasingly destabilizing interference in Somaliland’s internal affairs.
He argued that Mogadishu should focus on the political, security and humanitarian challenges confronting its own citizens rather than externalizing its difficulties.
Irro acknowledged that international partners continued to encourage renewed dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia, but argued that previous negotiations had produced agreements that were not subsequently implemented.
“The management of civil aviation and airspace remains a clear and contemporary example,” he said.
The President urged international partners to go beyond simply encouraging dialogue and press Somalia to comply with agreements already reached.
“Dialogue requires mutual respect, implementation of commitments, and confidence that agreements will be honoured,” he said.
Major road projects gather momentum
The President said Somaliland’s infrastructure programme was continuing to expand, with much of the financing coming from domestic resources.
He cited the Borama–Baki Road and Hargeisa–Balligubadle Road as projects approaching completion.
Construction is also continuing on the Lowyacaddo–Saylac–Borama corridor, with support from development partners.
He said expansion work in Hargeisa-inna Guxa was also progressing, while the government had commenced two additional strategic projects, including the Burco–Oodweyne–Hargeisa corridor and the Erigavo –Maydh road.
“These projects are vital for our national cohesion, regional commerce, and economic inclusion,” Irro said.
He added that Somaliland was prepared to contribute significantly to the financing and implementation of major national infrastructure projects.
Electricity prices cut as government targets affordable power
Energy was another major component of the President’s address.
For years, Somaliland has faced some of the world’s highest electricity tariffs, creating obstacles for industrial development, private investment and household welfare.
Irro said his government had already reduced electricity costs in the country’s principal urban centres from approximately 80 cents to 59 cents per kilowatt.
In Berbera, he said tariffs had fallen to as low as 20 cents per kilowatt, largely as a result of investment in renewable energy.
The administration’s goal, he said, is to expand affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity throughout Somaliland and bring national electricity costs closer to the Berbera model before the end of its current term.
Deep groundwater: Somaliland seeks advanced expertise
Water security, the President said, remains one of Somaliland’s most serious long-term challenges.
In several areas along the country’s southern frontier, groundwater reserves are believed to lie more than 600 metres underground, requiring advanced geological and technological expertise to locate and assess.
“We therefore seek partnerships with institutions and countries possessing the technical capabilities necessary to unlock this resource,” Irro said.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Embassy regarding findings from a Norwegian-supported study on deep groundwater resources in Somaliland.
The government, he said, wants data specifically relating to Somaliland to remain available for future national water planning.
Hargeisa Group Hospital targeted for transformation
Healthcare was another area highlighted by the President as a major national priority.
He said thousands of Somaliland citizens travel abroad every year to obtain specialist medical treatment, placing heavy financial pressure on families and the national economy.
The government therefore aims to transform Hargeisa Group Hospital into a modern national referral facility capable of delivering high-quality specialist treatment inside Somaliland.
“This is not simply an investment in healthcare,” Irro said. “This is an investment in dignity, self-reliance, and national resilience.”
‘We have returned with evidence, not a longer list of requests’
In his concluding remarks, President Irro sought to frame Somaliland’s international engagement around achievements rather than appeals for assistance.
“We have not returned to Nairobi today with a longer list of requests,” he said. “We have returned with evidence.”
He cited the peaceful integration of former militia members into the national army, the resolution of conflicts through dialogue, strengthened democratic institutions, the progress toward international recognition, road construction, declining electricity prices and modernization of healthcare facilities.
“Evidence of roads under construction. Electricity is becoming more affordable. Hospitals are being modernized, and national development is advancing through our own commitment and resources,” he said.
The President reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to peace, responsible governance, regional stability and constructive international engagement.
He ended with a direct appeal to Somaliland’s international partners:
“Engage with Somaliland not as an extension of another political entity, but as a responsible and capable sovereign partner ready to continue our shared objective of peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable development.”
“Together, let us build partnerships founded not on assumptions, but on achievements; not on aspirations alone, but on demonstrated commitment,” President Irro said.
He concluded by thanking the diplomatic and development community and invoking blessings for Somaliland and its international partnerships.