NEW YORK (SD)— Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has accused Turkey, Egypt, and other countries of conducting diplomatic efforts to prevent the international recognition of Somaliland.

Speaking at a meeting in New York, President Irro said Somaliland faces opposition from both African and non-African countries seeking to influence governments considering recognition of Somaliland.

“There are many countries—both African and non-African—that are campaigning against the recognition of Somaliland,” Irro said, adding that Turkey was actively lobbying African countries against Hargeisa’s recognition efforts.

The Somaliland president said such diplomatic pressure had contributed to some countries that had previously shown interest in recognizing Somaliland refraining from taking the step.

Irro also identified Egypt as an opponent of Somaliland’s diplomatic campaign. Cairo has consistently supported Somalia’s territorial integrity and has opposed moves that could alter Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.

The president nevertheless expressed confidence that Somaliland’s diplomatic efforts would eventually produce results, saying that “the truth will emerge.”

From Somaliland’s perspective, President Irro’s remarks highlight what Hargeisa sees as an increasingly competitive diplomatic environment surrounding its recognition campaign. Turkey and Egypt are particularly important because of their close strategic relationships with Somalia and their influence in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.

For Somaliland, the challenge is therefore not only persuading countries to recognize its claimed independence, but also overcoming diplomatic pressure from states that support Somalia’s territorial integrity. Irro’s comments suggest that his administration intends to counter that pressure by strengthening direct engagement with governments and political institutions, particularly in the United States and other strategically important countries.