HARGEISA (SD) – Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, widely known as Irro, has urged the United Kingdom to officially recognize Somaliland, arguing that Somaliland has fulfilled all requirements necessary for statehood and international recognition.

In an interview with The Telegraph, President Irro outlined Somaliland’s political development over the past 35 years, highlighting the establishment of democratic institutions, regular elections, government structures, and security systems since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

The president stated that Somaliland maintains deep historical ties with Britain dating back to the former British Somaliland protectorate and argued that London has a moral and political responsibility to recognize Somaliland if it genuinely supports democracy, political stability, and freedom of expression.

Irro emphasized that Somaliland meets the criteria set out in the Montevideo Convention, including defined borders, a permanent population, an effective government, and the capacity to engage in international relations.

The Somaliland leader also highlighted Somaliland’s strategic importance in the Horn of Africa, pointing to its location near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

According to the report, Somaliland’s coastline stretches approximately 530 miles along the Gulf of Aden, near a shipping corridor through which a significant percentage of global trade passes. The article noted growing security concerns in the region due to attacks linked to Houthis in nearby waters.

President Irro also discussed Somaliland’s economic potential, including ongoing exploration of natural resources such as gold and rare minerals. The report further highlighted the expansion of the Port of Berbera, where DP World has invested heavily in port infrastructure.

The president confirmed that Somaliland maintains close relations with Israel and stated that he plans to make an official visit there later this year. He also denied reports suggesting Somaliland supported Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, reaffirming support for British administration of the territory.

Irro additionally stressed Somaliland’s record in conducting democratic elections and combating piracy and extremist groups, presenting Somaliland as a stable and reliable regional partner.

President Irro’s interview appears aimed at strengthening Somaliland’s international recognition campaign by directly appealing to British political and strategic interests. By emphasizing democracy, regional security, trade routes, and historical ties, Somaliland is positioning itself as a stable ally in an increasingly volatile Horn of Africa region.

The focus on the Montevideo Convention reflects Somaliland’s long-standing legal argument that it already fulfills the international standards required for statehood, despite lacking widespread diplomatic recognition.

The references to Berbera, Red Sea security, and partnerships with Israel and the UAE also demonstrate Somaliland’s attempt to frame itself as strategically valuable to Western and regional powers concerned about maritime trade, counterterrorism, and geopolitical competition in the Red Sea corridor.

At the same time, Somaliland’s push for recognition remains highly controversial in Somalia, where the Federal Government strongly opposes any move toward Somaliland’s international recognition. Any shift in Britain’s position would likely have major political consequences across the Horn of Africa.

The interview also signals Somaliland’s effort to increase its diplomatic visibility internationally by linking its recognition campaign to broader geopolitical and economic interests rather than relying solely on historical or political arguments.