President highlights recognition, Berbera Port and Somaliland’s role in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden security
Mohamoud Walaaleye
President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has used a high-profile appearance at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York to outline Somaliland’s case for international recognition while highlighting its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab el-Mandeb.
Speaking at an event titled “A Conversation with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Somaliland,” President Irro discussed Somaliland’s history, its political development since 1991, regional security, maritime trade, investment opportunities and prospects for closer cooperation with the United States.
The President placed particular emphasis on Somaliland’s location at the intersection of major maritime routes connecting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and wider international markets.
He said the Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world’s important maritime passages and noted that security threats and attacks on commercial vessels have disrupted shipping, increased insurance costs and created wider concerns for international trade.
Against that backdrop, President Irro presented Somaliland as a potential partner in efforts to strengthen maritime security and regional stability.
Berbera at the center of the strategic argument
President Irro highlighted Berbera Port, describing it as a modern deep-water port that has undergone major investment by DP World, with investment reaching $442 million.
He said the port’s location could create opportunities for the United States in trade, maritime security and strategic cooperation, while also pointing to the Berbera Economic Zone as a potential platform for investment, commercial activity and employment.
The President also highlighted the Berbera–Ethiopia trade corridor, describing it as an opportunity to connect Berbera Port with major regional markets.
He said Somaliland’s marine and mineral resources also offer areas for further investment and exploration, and called on U.S. companies and international investors to examine opportunities in the country.
Somaliland’s case for recognition
A central part of President Irro’s address focused on Somaliland’s demand for international recognition.
He recalled that Somaliland gained independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, before entering into a union with Somalia five days later.
According to the President, the union had distinctive political and legal circumstances and ultimately became unsustainable. He cited the political pressures and abuses experienced by Somaliland during the period of Siad Barre’s rule as part of the historical background to Somaliland’s decision to restore its independence in 1991.
President Irro said Somaliland is not seeking the creation of new borders but the restoration of the territorial status it held at independence.
He also referred to the African Union fact-finding mission of 2005, saying its report recognized the distinctive historical circumstances surrounding Somaliland.
A state built since 1991
The President outlined Somaliland’s political and institutional development since 1991, pointing to its constitution, courts, currency, security institutions, police, coast guard and other government bodies.
He also highlighted Somaliland’s experience with elections and peaceful transfers of political power between successive administrations.
President Irro argued that these developments form an important part of Somaliland’s case as it seeks international recognition.
He said recognition would have implications beyond diplomacy, potentially facilitating cooperation in security, economic development, finance, trade and investment.
Security cooperation with Washington
The President also emphasized the potential for closer security cooperation between Somaliland and the United States.
He said Somaliland has worked for decades to maintain security across its territory and coastline and could contribute to efforts to protect maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.
With commercial shipping facing security threats in the region, President Irro said Somaliland was prepared to play a role in efforts to protect maritime security and the uninterrupted flow of international trade.
He presented Somaliland as a potential long-term and reliable partner for the United States in a strategically important part of the Horn of Africa.
Taiwan partnership
President Irro also discussed Somaliland’s relationship with Taiwan, noting that the two sides established official relations in 2020.
He said cooperation has expanded into areas including healthcare, education, trade and investment, describing Taiwan as an important partner in Somaliland’s international engagement.
He even mentioned as concerns, his interior was practically in Taiwan to cement the bond further.
A strategic message to the United States
The CFR appearance brought together the main elements of President Irro’s foreign-policy message: Somaliland’s historical claim to statehood, its pursuit of international recognition, its strategic location and its potential role in regional security and economic connectivity.
The President urged U.S. stakeholders to consider Somaliland through the lenses of geography, maritime security, trade and strategic cooperation, emphasizing its position along the Gulf of Aden and close to the Bab el-Mandeb.
He said Somaliland seeks deeper cooperation with the United States and wants to become a reliable partner contributing to stability, maritime security and economic development in the wider Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.