HARGEISA () – Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro delivered a political message directed at the governments of Somalia and Djibouti during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Hargeisa, urging both countries to respect what he described as Somaliland’s independence and to refrain from interference in its affairs.

President Irro joined thousands of worshippers for Eid prayers at the Grand Jama Mosque in Hargeisa, where he delivered remarks focused on Islamic values, social unity, peace, and political stability.

During his speech, the Somaliland leader congratulated citizens on Eid al-Adha and encouraged the public to strengthen faith, social solidarity, and cooperation within society.

He described Eid al-Adha as a period that teaches patience, compassion, and support for vulnerable communities, emphasizing the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence in preserving stability.

President Cirro also urged Somaliland residents to work closely with security institutions to safeguard peace and development across Somaliland’s regions.

In his political remarks, the president stressed what he called the importance of protecting the “existence of the Somaliland nation,” calling on citizens to unite in defence of Somaliland’s future and political aspirations.

He further accused Somalia and Djibouti of interfering in Somaliland’s affairs and called on both governments to respect Somaliland’s political status.

The remarks come amid continuing political disagreements regarding Somaliland’s future and its relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia.

Eid celebrations in Hargeisa were marked by large public gatherings, organized ceremonies, and participation by government officials, religious leaders, and members of the public.

President Irro’s Eid speech combined religious messaging with a clear political statement aimed at reinforcing Somaliland’s sovereignty claims and strengthening domestic unity around its recognition campaign.

By publicly addressing Somalia and Djibouti, Irro appears to be signalling frustration with regional political dynamics and what Somaliland perceives as attempts to influence or challenge its political direction.

The comments directed at Djibouti are particularly notable because relations between Somaliland and Djibouti have experienced periods of both cooperation and political tension, especially regarding regional influence, trade routes, and diplomatic positioning in the Horn of Africa.

The speech also reflects Somaliland’s broader strategy of presenting itself as a stable, self-governing political entity deserving of international recognition. Calls to protect the “existence of the Somaliland nation” are likely intended to reinforce national identity and political solidarity at a time of heightened regional attention on Somaliland’s foreign relations.

At the same time, such statements may further complicate relations with Mogadishu, which continues to reject Somaliland’s independence claims and insists on Somalia’s territorial unity.