HARGEISA (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro said Wednesday that international recognition of the self-declared republic was gaining momentum, asserting that many countries were moving toward formal acknowledgment following Israel’s decision last week to recognize the breakaway region.
In an address marking the end of 2025 and the start of the new year, Irro framed Israel’s move as a historic breakthrough, portraying Somaliland as having crossed a threshold into global legitimacy after more than three decades of diplomatic isolation. He told citizens the region now stood on equal footing with other nations in the international system.
Irro also warned that the recognition had come at a cost, saying Somaliland had made new adversaries as it pursued statehood. He urged residents to remain vigilant, safeguard national security and be prepared to defend the territory against any threat.
Israel’s recognition has sent ripples across the Horn of Africa, intensifying regional tensions and prompting sharp condemnation from neighboring states that continue to regard Somaliland as part of Somalia. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government but has never been formally recognized by the African Union or the United Nations.
Speculation has mounted that Ethiopia and Kenya could be next to recognize Somaliland, fueled by their silence following Israel’s announcement. The lack of public opposition from Addis Ababa and Nairobi has contrasted with the swift and forceful backlash from other regional capitals, adding to the perception of shifting diplomatic calculations.
Somalia’s federal government has strongly rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty, warning that the move could destabilize an already volatile region.
Irro’s remarks signal a more assertive posture from Somaliland’s leadership as it seeks to convert Israel’s recognition into broader international acceptance, even as the move deepens regional fault lines and raises questions about the future balance of power in the Horn of Africa.
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