HARGEISA (SD) – The newly elected President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, officially assumed leadership of Somaliland after taking the presidential oath for the next five years.

After the oath, he promised to build a just government. “Today, we are opening a new page, and together we will build a united and democratic Somaliland. It will be based on good governance, justice, consultation, and the rule of law, ensuring that every citizen receives their rights,” said Irro.

He emphasized that he would create a Somaliland owned by its people, with plans to improve the social welfare of citizens. He also stated that he would work to make Somaliland a recognized member of the international community, which he described as a natural right of Somaliland.

Furthermore, he declared that he would seek a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the conflicts in the Sool, Sanaag, and parts of Togdheer regions, aiming to resolve differences through peaceful means. He also promised to establish a military force capable of securing Somaliland’s borders.

The outgoing President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, also remarked that Somaliland had demonstrated political maturity and development, which allowed the transfer of power.

“Somaliland has shown that it is a democratic nation, with shared leadership, mutual consent, and prioritizing the national interest over personal or family interests. They have proven that the people hold the power, and power is transferred to the person elected,” said Bihi.

The handover ceremony was attended by officials from the Ethiopian government, ambassadors from the UK and the US, and a representatives from Taiwan and DP World. The new president pledged to strengthen Somaliland’s foreign relations.