NAIROBI, Kenya (Kaab TV) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has wrapped up a three-week diplomatic tour across East Africa, marking a significant shift in Somaliland’s regional engagement strategy.
The visit included high-level meetings in Djibouti and Kenya, with officials describing the trip as a “successful re-launch of Somaliland’s foreign policy agenda.”
In Djibouti, President Irro held Somaliland’s first formal talks with Djiboutian authorities since the January 2024 fallout over a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between former President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea.
Djibouti, which had strongly opposed the deal, had since kept relations with Somaliland at arm’s length.
President Irro met with Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed.
According to sources close to the Somaliland Presidency, the talks helped ease diplomatic tensions and laid the groundwork for “cooler and more constructive engagement” between the two neighbors.
While in Djibouti, Irro also held talks with Ethiopian diplomats led by Kebede Abera Ido, Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia to Djibouti.
The discussions focused on regional security, trade corridors, infrastructure development, investment opportunities, and humanitarian aid.
“The President discussed the development of the region’s economy, trade facilitation, and strengthening cooperation on security and infrastructure,” read a statement from the Somaliland Presidency.
Irro visited the headquarters of Djibouti Telecom, which manages the country’s critical submarine internet cables.
He also met with the Somaliland diaspora in Djibouti, urging unity and highlighting the strategic importance of a strong, brotherly relationship between Somaliland and Djibouti.
“Somaliland is fully committed to strengthening its ties with the Republic of Djibouti and advancing a shared vision for peace, development, and cooperation between our two brotherly nations,” said Irro during a public address.
Kenya Reception Marks Diplomatic Milestone
On May 30, President Irro was received with what officials described as “unprecedented” hospitality at Kenya’s State House in Nairobi, where he held bilateral talks with President William Ruto.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of strategic priorities, including: Boosting bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and air travel, enhancing regional security, particularly in counter-extremism and peacebuilding as well as promoting educational partnerships, skills training for youth, and institutional capacity building.
While in Nairobi, President Irro formally inaugurated Somaliland’s Liaison Office to Kenya and held a roundtable meeting with international diplomats. He used the occasion to advocate for international recognition, saying:
“We have not come to Nairobi today with a begging bowl. We are not looking for handouts. We are here to build genuine partnerships with governments, investors, and institutions that understand the value of mutual benefit.”
In a separate event at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Irro addressed the Somaliland diaspora, assuring them of his commitment to democratic principles.
“I want to inform my people: you elected me for five years — not a single day, not even an hour, will be added to that mandate,” he said, in a clear pledge against term extension.
Upcoming U.S. Visit and Strategic Offer
Somaliland officials have hinted that President Irro is preparing for an upcoming visit to the United States.
While the exact dates remain unconfirmed, sources say Irro is expected to present what insiders describe as “a deal the U.S. cannot refuse” in exchange for formal recognition.
According to those sources, the proposed package to the U.S. government — specifically the Trump Administration — includes: A long-term lease for the Berbera military base, access to Somaliland’s 850 km-long strategic coastline, rights to develop a spaceport, partnership in rare earth mineral exploration, and oil and gas concessions.
If confirmed, the offer would mark a bold diplomatic gamble by the Irro administration to anchor Somaliland’s recognition drive in strategic geopolitical value.