Speaking during his trip, President Irro stated that neither the United States nor Israel currently maintains a military presence in Somaliland. However, he said discussions are underway on potential areas of future security cooperation.

“Neither Israel nor the United States has a military presence in Somaliland at the moment, but we would like to cooperate on security in the future,” Irro said.

The Somaliland leader also revealed that talks have taken place with U.S. counterparts regarding the possibility of military training programs for Somaliland’s security forces.

If such plans move forward, they could become one of the most visible forms of security cooperation between Somaliland and the United States, potentially covering military training, maritime security, counterterrorism efforts, and broader defense collaboration.

However, Irro emphasized that discussions remain at an exploratory stage, and there has been no official announcement of a signed military or security agreement between Somaliland and Washington.

A key theme of Irro’s remarks was the strategic importance of Berbera, which Somaliland views as a vital economic and security hub in the Horn of Africa.

Located along the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Berbera occupies a position close to one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The area has attracted growing international attention amid ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea and neighboring Yemen.

Somaliland has long argued that Berbera’s location, combined with its expanding port and airport infrastructure, gives it an important role in regional trade, maritime security, and international commerce.

Irro was also asked about the United Arab Emirates’ role in Berbera. He said there is no major Emirati military presence in Somaliland, although the UAE has maintained close economic and development ties with Berbera for several years through port investments and infrastructure projects.

Reports concerning facilities near Berbera Airport have periodically fueled speculation about potential military or strategic uses, making the city a focal point in discussions about regional security and foreign investment.

One of Irro’s most notable comments concerned Berbera International Airport. He suggested that Somaliland could consider naming the airport after former U.S. President Donald Trump in the future.

“We could name Berbera Airport after President Trump,” Irro said.

The remark came as Irro highlighted Somaliland’s efforts to deepen relations with the United States in areas including diplomacy, security, investment, and infrastructure development.

The president also said he was the first East African leader to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that the former U.S. president had played a role in advancing peace initiatives and conflict-resolution efforts internationally.

Irro’s visit comes at a time when Somaliland is intensifying diplomatic outreach in Washington and seeking stronger engagement with U.S. policymakers and institutions.

Hargeisa has increasingly emphasized Somaliland’s strategic location along major maritime routes and its potential contribution to Red Sea and Gulf of Aden security.

Somaliland officials have also continued efforts to gain broader international support for their longstanding quest for recognition.

According to Irro, future security cooperation with the United States and Israel could include military training, counterterrorism cooperation, coastal security, and maritime protection initiatives.

At the same time, he acknowledged that such developments could generate political and security debates across the region, where competing geopolitical interests continue to shape relations among regional and international actors.

Irro specifically mentioned Israel as a country Somaliland hopes to work with more closely on security matters in the future. He reiterated that Israel currently has no military base or official military presence in Somaliland.

Nevertheless, relations between Somaliland and Israel have become an increasingly discussed topic in regional politics, with both sides expressing interest in expanding cooperation in various fields.

Throughout his remarks, Irro stressed that Somaliland intends to use its geographic position and strategic infrastructure to build stronger political, economic, and security partnerships with influential international partners.

While security cooperation featured prominently in his comments, international recognition remains one of Somaliland’s central foreign policy objectives.

Somaliland officials believe that deeper strategic relationships with major powers could help strengthen international engagement with the territory.

Irro’s visit to the United States is therefore being viewed as part of a broader campaign to present Somaliland as a significant security and economic partner in the Horn of Africa, with Berbera’s port and airport at the center of that vision.

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According to Somaliland officials, the discussions focused on strengthening ties between Somaliland and the United States, with particular attention given to regional security, maritime security, economic cooperation, and stability in the Horn of Africa.

The talks also highlighted the strategic importance of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, two waterways that play a critical role in global trade and international shipping.

Irro emphasized Somaliland’s geographic position along one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, arguing that the territory could serve as a valuable partner in efforts to safeguard commercial shipping routes and enhance regional security.

The discussions reportedly explored ways to expand cooperation on maritime security and the protection of international trade routes that connect the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean.

Economic issues also featured prominently in the meetings. The Somaliland delegation discussed trade, investment opportunities, and broader economic cooperation with the United States, presenting Somaliland as a potential destination for increased commercial engagement.

The meetings also touched on previous legislative initiatives in Congress related to U.S. policy toward Somaliland.

Among them was the Somaliland Partnership Act (S. 3861), introduced in 2022, which highlighted Somaliland’s strategic location and the potential for expanded cooperation between Washington and Hargeisa.

Officials also noted that Brian Mast was among lawmakers involved in foreign policy legislation, including H.R. 5300, considered by Congress in 2025.

During the discussions, Irro highlighted what Somaliland describes as shared values with the United States, including democracy, freedom, security, and respect for human rights.

Somaliland officials said these principles form an important foundation for deeper engagement between the two sides.

Irro’s Washington visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour that began earlier this month and is aimed at strengthening Somaliland’s international partnerships in the political, security, and economic spheres.

Somaliland authorities have said the trip is intended to expand engagement with U.S. policymakers, institutions, and business leaders.

The visit comes as Somaliland continues efforts to raise its profile in Washington and promote its case for closer strategic cooperation with the United States.

Issues related to Somaliland’s quest for international recognition and its proposed role in regional security have featured prominently in the president’s meetings and public appearances.

However, the meetings with members of Congress do not constitute a formal policy decision by the U.S. government regarding Somaliland’s status.

Rather, they represent political and legislative engagements aimed at expanding dialogue and exploring areas of mutual interest between Somaliland and American policymakers.

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Addressing policymakers and analysts at the U.S.-based think tank, Irro focused on the long-running dispute between Hargeisa and Mogadishu over Somaliland’s political status.

He argued that Somalia’s federal government lacks effective authority beyond Mogadishu and accused it of contributing to instability across the region.

“The Somali government lacks the legitimacy and capacity to govern beyond Mogadishu and has become a source of instability in the Horn of Africa,” Irro said during the event.

The Somaliland leader also accused Mogadishu of using its internationally recognized status to block Somaliland’s efforts to secure diplomatic recognition.

His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic outreach by Somaliland, which has intensified efforts to engage policymakers in Washington and other international capitals.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali central government. Since then, it has built its own governing institutions, security forces, and electoral system.

However, no country has formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state, and the Federal Government of Somalia continues to regard the territory as an integral part of the Somali Republic.

Irro reiterated a long-standing Somaliland argument that its claim to statehood is based on the restoration of borders that existed before its 1960 union with Somalia rather than the creation of new borders.

“Somaliland does not seek to alter colonial borders; it seeks to restore the borders it possessed before the union,” he said.

The president highlighted Somaliland’s record of holding elections and conducting peaceful transfers of power, presenting those achievements as evidence of political stability and institutional development over more than three decades of self-rule.

He also pointed to Somaliland’s internal security record, arguing that the territory has maintained relative stability and avoided major terrorist attacks for many years.

A significant portion of the speech focused on regional security.

Irro emphasized Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, arguing that Somaliland could serve as a reliable partner in safeguarding trade routes and strengthening security in the Horn of Africa.

The speech underscored three key themes central to Somaliland’s diplomatic campaign: its pursuit of international recognition, criticism of Somalia’s federal government, and its claim that Somaliland can play a larger role in regional security and stability.

The status of Somaliland remains one of the most contentious political issues in the Horn of Africa.

While Somaliland continues to seek international recognition, Somalia maintains that preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity requires Somaliland to remain part of the Somali state.

Irro’s appearance in Washington brought that debate back into the spotlight, as Somaliland continues to lobby international policymakers and institutions for greater support for its statehood aspirations.

The speech reflects Hargeisa’s ongoing effort to strengthen its diplomatic presence abroad and shape international discussions about the future of Somalia, Somaliland, and the wider Horn of Africa.

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The meeting formed part of President Irro’s working visit to Nairobi and provided an opportunity for Somaliland officials to brief international partners on developments in the territory and outline areas where Hargeisa is seeking deeper cooperation.

Somaliland has increasingly focused its external engagement on attracting investment, strengthening security partnerships and building international support for its political aspirations.

Recent engagements with the United States and United Kingdom have similarly focused on security, maritime cooperation, development and Somaliland’s international standing.

During the Nairobi meeting, Irro emphasized that his government wants international partnerships based on investment and mutual interests rather than long-term dependence on aid.

“Somaliland does not come to the international community with a list of requests and a begging hand, but with real development results, tangible achievements and opportunities for cooperation that benefit both sides,” the president said.

He urged international partners to assess Somaliland on the basis of what he described as its record of governance, stability and development, rather than viewing it primarily through the lens of humanitarian assistance.

Security and Integration of Clan Forces

Security was among the central issues raised by the president. Irro said maintaining peace and stability remains the highest priority of his administration and highlighted the integration of more than 6,000 clan-based fighters and their equipment into the Somaliland National Army.

According to the president, the forces were peacefully brought under state authority, subsequently trained and incorporated into the national security structure.

“Peace and stability are the first priority of our government,” Irro told the international representatives, while presenting the integration process as part of efforts to strengthen state institutions and reduce the influence of armed clan formations.

The government has also sought to address local tensions through dialogue and reconciliation. Irro said recent confrontations in Somaliland’s western regions were being approached through negotiations and traditional reconciliation mechanisms rather than military escalation.

The president similarly reiterated his position that the dispute surrounding Laascaanood should be resolved peacefully.

“We are committed to resolving the Laascaanood issue through dialogue, understanding and a peaceful process based on brotherhood,” Irro said.

The issue remains one of the most sensitive security and political questions facing Somaliland, following the fighting around Laascaanood that led to the emergence of SSC-Khaatumo and challenged Hargeisa’s control over parts of the eastern regions.

Recognition Remains Central to Somaliland’s Foreign Policy

A major part of Irro’s message to international partners concerned Somaliland’s campaign for international recognition.

The president described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on December 26, 2025, as a historic development, but stressed that Hargeisa views it as part of a broader diplomatic process rather than the conclusion of its recognition campaign.

“The recognition of Israel is not the end of Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition. It is part of the realization of the aspiration that the people of Somaliland have pursued for a long time,” Irro said.

He linked Somaliland’s recognition campaign to what he described as its record of stability, democratic governance, functioning state institutions and peaceful political transitions.

Earlier in 2026, Irro also launched a Somaliland Independent Recognition Institute, describing it as a platform intended to strengthen the territory’s diplomatic and intellectual campaign for international recognition.

Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition remains contested by Somalia’s Federal Government, which maintains that Somaliland is part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The disagreement continues to shape relations between Hargeisa and Mogadishu and remains a major issue in regional diplomacy.

Development and Investment Priorities

Beyond political recognition, Irro used the Nairobi meeting to outline his administration’s development agenda.

He said the government is prioritizing roads, water infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education and telecommunications as part of efforts to strengthen the economy and improve public services.

The president highlighted strategic road projects currently under development and said reducing electricity costs and expanding investment in renewable energy would be important to economic growth.

Water security was another priority raised during the discussions. Irro emphasized the importance of exploring Somaliland’s underground water resources and called on international partners to provide technical expertise, technology and experience in water exploration and management.

The president also stressed that Somaliland wants international cooperation to translate into practical economic opportunities, particularly investment and infrastructure development.

Maritime Security and Regional Role

Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden also featured in the broader context of the discussions.

The territory lies close to major maritime routes connecting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and wider Indian Ocean, giving it importance in debates over regional security and international trade.

Somaliland has increasingly sought security partnerships with international actors, with recent discussions involving the United States focusing on maritime security, intelligence cooperation, defense and protection of Red Sea shipping routes.

Irro argued that Somaliland’s stability could make it an important partner in efforts to promote peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

“The international community should recognize the reality on the ground in Somaliland and its role in peace, security, trade and the overall development of the Horn of Africa,” he said.

A Broader Diplomatic Push

The Nairobi engagement comes as President Irro’s administration expands its international outreach.

In recent months, Somaliland has held discussions with U.S. and British officials on security, economic development and regional cooperation, while simultaneously intensifying its diplomatic campaign for recognition.

The government is therefore attempting to pursue two interconnected objectives: strengthening Somaliland’s internal institutions and security capabilities while persuading foreign governments to deepen political and economic engagement with Hargeisa.

Irro concluded his message by calling for relations with international partners to be based on what he described as “reality, achievement, mutual respect and shared interests,” arguing that such cooperation could contribute to a more stable and prosperous Horn of Africa.

For Somaliland, the Nairobi talks represent another effort to position Hargeisa not only as a claimant seeking international recognition, but also as a potential security, trade and investment partner in one of Africa’s most strategically important regions.

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