The demonstration showcased support for the Somaliland cause and its aspiration to attain international recognition.

Participants carried the Somaliland flag, displaying messages on the square regarding Somaliland’s recognition, peace, and political future.

The event coincided with the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly, as leaders, ministers, and delegations from various countries gathered in New York.

The venue of the rally was Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, located near the UN headquarters, where members of the Somaliland community living in the United States and Canada gathered.

Demonstrators stated that the main objective of the event was to convey Somaliland’s voice to the international community, particularly to the world leaders and country delegations present in New York during the UN assembly.

They also called on international organizations to genuinely listen to the stance of the people of Somaliland and their demand for international recognition.

Somaliland has long pursued diplomatic efforts seeking international recognition, with the Somaliland administration arguing that it possesses its own government institutions, political system, and governance structure

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The President stated that the institute will be led by individuals considered close allies of Somaliland. He noted that the institute’s chairman has been appointed as British Member of Parliament Sir William Gavinson, alongside other academics, politicians, and international supporters.

“The institute will be chaired by Somaliland’s friend Sir William Gavinson, joined by many other friends of Somaliland, and more than 2,000 supporters of Somaliland are ready to contribute,” the President said.

He explained that the institute will document Somaliland’s history, the legal arguments behind its pursuit of recognition, and the various stages of its struggle for independence. President Irro also revealed that the institute has been officially registered in the United Kingdom in order to operate on an international level.

President Irro added that the institute’s members largely consist of university professors, experts, lawmakers, and scholars specializing in political science and international law, who will work to convince the international community of Somaliland’s case for recognition.

He stressed that the institute’s members are committed to achieving Somaliland’s long-standing goal of securing international recognition, describing the institution as a central platform that will unify discussions and efforts surrounding Somaliland’s recognition campaign.

For his part, the head of the institute described Somaliland as a model of democracy and stability in the Horn of Africa, calling it “a light shining from the African continent.” He accused the Somali government of repeatedly attempting to obstruct Somaliland’s progress but stated that they would do everything possible to ensure Somaliland’s success.

He concluded by calling on the international community to formally recognize Somaliland, adding that Israel serves as an example worth following in its path toward international recognition.

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On the night of 10 January, Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, in an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher (Arabic), called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to carry out an attack on Somaliland similar to the operation launched against Mukalla in Yemen.

“We are calling on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fully intervene against the Somaliland administration in the same way that was done against Aidarus al-Zubaidi in Yemen,” Fiqi said.

When asked about reports that Aidarus al-Zubaidi had recently passed through Mogadishu after fleeing Yemen, Fiqi said only that the matter would be investigated.

Aidarus al-Zubaidi, the head of the Southern Transitional Council of Yemen, left the United Arab Emirates last week after his forces were overpowered in the Yemen conflict, where militias backed by Saudi Arabia and linked to Iran-backed Houthi forces seized the city of Mukalla, which had served as al-Zubaidi’s stronghold.

He claimed that the Somaliland leadership had “betrayed” the Palestinian cause, referring to Hargeisa’s relations with Tel Aviv.

Somaliland officials has repeatedly stated that its recognition has nothing to do with the Palestinian–Israeli conflict and has also rejected claims that Palestinian refugees would be relocated to Somaliland.

THREATS FROM A MILITARY CAMP

Fiqi escalated his threats against Somaliland amid reports indicating that the Mogadishu-based government, allegedly in coordination with China, is pursuing plans to incite unrest inside Somaliland in an attempt to undermine Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Separately, Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, speaking on Wednesday (7 January 2026) at a Turkish-built military training camp in Mogadishu, told troops to prepare for what he described as an operation to capture Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Cirro.

Fiqi referred to President Cirro as a “hostile hypocrite.”

“Enemies have brought Jews to us. Those enemies were assisted by Al-Shabaab. We want a force whose power extends across air, land, and sea to apprehend them,” Fiqi said during the graduation ceremony of newly trained soldiers from the Gorgor special forces unit, trained by Turkey.

“I am addressing this force and all the Somali National Army: if we do not eliminate the hypocrites among us, every day they will invite foreign enemies against us,” he said, referring to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

“At the forefront of these hypocrites is Cirro,” he added.

Present at the event were Turkey’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Alper Aktaş, and the Commander of the Somali National Army, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage.

Fiqi thanked Turkey for constructing the military camp in Mogadishu and noted that the 20th training cohort had now graduated.

The Gorgor unit, currently trained by Turkey, has been accused of human rights violations. Former officers who defected from the unit have also alleged that recruitment for training is clan-based, favoring specific clans—claims confirmed by sources formerly within Gorgor.

Israel formally recognized Somaliland on 26 December, and on 6 January, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar paid an official visit to Hargeisa.

The Somali federal government strongly condemned the move, calling it a violation.

However, the Mogadishu-based government exercises no authority over Somaliland, which has maintained its own independent administration for more than 30 years, holding democratic elections, operating its own currency and security forces, and maintaining a functioning government with multiple institutions.

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What we all understand is that China’s aggressive intervention in Somali affairs is not limited to rhetoric—it reflects Beijing’s long-term strategy of embedding itself within weak, authoritarian regimes to undermine U.S. influence, control key maritime routes, and exploit instability for geopolitical gain.

Comments by Spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in Somalia on US Senator’s Baseless Attacks on China and China-Somalia Relations pic.twitter.com/qONy3O79jb

— Chinese Embassy in Somalia (@ChineseSomalia) August 15, 2025

For years, U.S. disengagement from the Horn of Africa has created a dangerous vacuum. Washington’s reluctance to support Somaliland—a democratic, stable, and pro-Western state—has only emboldened Beijing and its local proxies.

Today, China is firmly entrenched in Mogadishu’s corrupt political establishment, in Djibouti’s military and port infrastructure, and is steadily expanding across Africa with little resistance.

This neglect has given Beijing free rein to cultivate and empower autocratic regimes, further destabilizing the region and eroding democratic values.

Last month, we reported that a group of Somali government officials from the Parliament, the Office of the President, and the Prime Minister’s Office were airlifted to China for what Beijing described as “a seminar on governance.” One can simply question: what type of governance were these men and women being taught, given that China itself is not a democracy?

We attempted to raise this question with several of the attendees, as well as with Somalia’s ambassador to Beijing, Hodan Osman—whom we have previously described as “a possible Chinese asset within the Somali government.”

However, everyone we reached out to refused to speak to us.

Alarming consequences 

The consequences are alarming. In Mogadishu, China maintains deep ties with a government that harbors individuals with long, bloody histories in Al-Shabaab.

Sheikh Mukhtar Robow (Abu Mansuur), one of the most dangerous terrorists and Al-Shabaab’s co-founders responsible for terror against Somali civilians and East Africans including Kenyans, Ethiopians and possibly Americans, now serves as Minister of Religious Affairs—unprosecuted and rewarded with political office since 2022.

He is not an exception. Much of the Mogadishu security apparatus, including the Banadir police force, consists of former Al-Shabaab operatives loyal to Adam Hashi Ayrow, the group’s notorious co-founder killed by U.S. airstrike in 2008.

These men, once assassins, now wear the uniforms of the Somali state—with China’s embassy openly engaging them as political partners.

The threat does not end in Somalia. China’s partnership with Iran, and by extension its backing of the Houthis, poses a grave security risk. This support destabilizes the Red Sea, threatens global shipping, and risks spilling over into Somalia, where Al-Shabaab could benefit from new arms flows and financial channels.

The overlap of Chinese support for authoritarian regimes and extremist-linked officials inside Somalia creates fertile ground for terror to thrive under the protection of state legitimacy.

One particularly dangerous front is Somaliland’s eastern regions of Sool and Sanaag. Reports indicate that the Chinese Embassy in Somalia has actively sought to arm clan militias against Somaliland—an attempt to weaken one of the few democratic and stable entities in the region.

This covert campaign is not about “respecting sovereignty,” as Beijing claims, but about punishing Somaliland for its friendship with Taiwan, Israel, and the West.

The tone and language of the Chinese Embassy’s response to Senator Cruz are telling. Rather than reflecting the voice of Mogadishu, they reflect the dictates of Beijing itself. China’s aggressive defense of Mogadishu’s collapsing regime illustrates a simple truth: Somali leaders no longer dictate their own politics—the CCP does.

If the United States and its allies fail to act decisively, the Horn of Africa risks becoming yet another frontline of authoritarian expansion.

Recognition of Somaliland, deeper U.S. engagement in regional security, and a strong counter-strategy to Beijing’s interference are urgent steps. Without them, the Horn of Africa will remain captive to Chinese influence, to the benefit of dictators and terrorists alike.

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“Somaliland has emerged as a critical security and diplomatic partner for the United States…” the letter reads, highlighting the breakaway region’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, its contribution to regional counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts, and its diplomatic engagements—including hosting a Taiwanese representative office in Hargeisa, strengthening ties with Israel, and voicing support for the Abraham Accords.

Cruz warns that Somaliland now confronts growing pressure from adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party, which he accuses of using with economic and diplomatic coercion to punish Somaliland’s support for Taiwan and alignment with Western interests.

He argues that formal U.S. recognition would enable Somaliland to further enhance military cooperation, deepen trade and economic partnerships, and better serve shared security goals in the Horn of Africa.

Senator Cruz’s letter comes in the midst of growing momentum of pro-Somaliland recognition within the U.S Government. However, this does not mean a policy change yet.

President Trump’s Recent Remarks on Somaliland

President Donald Trump recently ignited debate with a brief comment when asked about Somaliland’s independence and a speculative offer to host displaced Palestinians from Gaza. He responded: “We are looking into that right now. Good question… another very tough one… but we’re working on it. Somaliland.”.

This remark was warmly received in Hargeisa, where Somaliland’s presidency framed it as recognition of their decades-long track record of peace, democracy, and regional stability.

Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali central government.

Since then, it has operated with its own democratic institutions, currency, and relative stability, though it remains unrecognised by any UN member state.

Its strategic importance lies in its location along critical maritime routes near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and it houses the deep-water port of Berbera, which has attracted investment from the UAE and interest from Ethiopia for access to the sea.

In 2024, Somaliland held a peaceful presidential election resulting in Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi’s victory.

In late March 2025, Somaliland made offer inviting U.S. access to the Berbera port and airbase.

Earlier this year, a U.S. House committee proposed establishing a representative office in Hargeisa to counter Chinese influence, and funding for democratic development continued.

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According to sources within the Somaliland presidency, President Irro is seeking a “first-hand discussion” with PM Abiy on the MoU signed on 1 January 2024 between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

The agreement, signed under former President Muse Bihi Abdi, granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease on a stretch of Somaliland’s coastline on the Gulf of Aden in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence — a move that triggered strong opposition from Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.

“President Irro is committed to securing Somaliland’s full international recognition — nothing less than that,” an aide to the president, who requested anonymity, told our reporter. “He wants clarity and direct engagement with the Ethiopian leadership before moving forward.”

The MoU, which remains pending implementation, has been a central focus of Irro’s early diplomatic efforts since taking office.

Last month, during a visit to neighbouring Djibouti, Irro held discussions with Ethiopian diplomats led by Kebede Abera Ido, Ethiopia’s Deputy Ambassador to Djibouti.

Their talks covered regional security, Red Sea maritime access, trade corridors, and investment opportunities.

“The President discussed with the Ambassadors the development of the region’s economy, investment opportunities, trade facilitation, infrastructure, and increased humanitarian aid,” said Hussein Aden Ige, spokesperson for the Somaliland presidency, in a May statement.

Deputy Ambassador Kebede confirmed Ethiopia’s interest in deepening cooperation with Somaliland, particularly in areas of trade and security.

Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has long sought alternative routes for sea access to enhance its import and export capabilities.

In a sign of intensifying international outreach, President Irro also met with foreign diplomats in Nairobi last week, where he reiterated Somaliland’s longstanding call for international recognition.

“We have not come to Nairobi today with a begging bowl,” Irro told the gathering. “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.”

Among many Somalilanders, hopes remain high that Ethiopia’s engagement could be a breakthrough toward international recognition, a goal that has eluded the self-declared republic since its separation from Somalia in 1991.

Irro’s administration appears determined to capitalise on this momentum, even amid diplomatic tensions with Mogadishu.

The post Somaliland President to Discuss Red Sea MoU During Upcoming Ethiopia Visit appeared first on Kaab TV.

Djibouti’s government has described the visit as a reflection of shared goals and longstanding friendship between the two sides.

President Irro was welcomed at Djibouti’s international airport by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, who praised the visit as a gesture of goodwill and mutual interest.

“On behalf of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, this visit symbolizes trust and friendship,” said Prime Minister Kamil. “In a world filled with uncertainty, this meeting reflects both sides’ commitment to building bridges, enhancing dialogue, and promoting peace.”

Irro then met president Guelleh in the presidential palace.

During the three-day visit, President Irro is scheduled to hold talks with President Guelleh, following an official invitation extended by Djibouti.

The agenda is expected to focus on repairing ties that soured after Somaliland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia in January 2024.

READ MORE: Somaliland protests against Djibouti’s alleged sabotage of Ethiopia MOU

That deal, signed under former President Muse Bihi Abdi, offered Ethiopia port access and potentially a naval presence along Somaliland’s coast—moves Djibouti strongly opposed.

Djiboutian officials saw the MoU as a threat to their economic lifeline.

Nearly 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports pass through Djibouti’s ports, especially the Port of Doraleh, making Ethiopia its largest customer and a pillar of the country’s economy.

Somaliland, strategically located next to both Djibouti and Ethiopia, offers a shorter route to the Red Sea via the ports of Berbera and Zeila.

Over the past several years, Somaliland has invested heavily in modernizing its Berbera Port, positioning it as a viable alternative for Ethiopia’s trade needs.

While in Djibouti, President Irro is also expected to discuss cross-border security cooperation, trade integration, and the possible revival of the stalled talks between Somaliland and Somalia, which Hargeisa suspended earlier this year.

Both Djibouti and Somaliland are competing to serve Ethiopia’s growing trade demands. Ethiopia, in turn, has been actively pursuing a port under its full control and is reportedly interested in establishing a military base on the Red Sea.

President Irro has signaled that Somaliland is prepared to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement with Ethiopia later this year.

Following his visit to Djibouti, he is expected to travel to Addis Ababa for an official visit, where discussions will likely focus on security and economic cooperation.

Despite Somaliland’s lack of international recognition, President Irrojust last week emphasized that his administration remains open to forging strong bilateral ties.

“I thank the countries that have maintained security and economic relations with us, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan,” he said.

The post From Tension to Talks: Irro Visits Djibouti After Ethiopia Port Fallout appeared first on Kaab TV.

President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro delivered a national address in Hargeisa during celebrations that included a military parade by Somaliland’s armed forces, with widespread participation from various sectors of the public.

In his first address as head of state on May 18, President Irro made a passionate appeal to the international community to recognize Somaliland’s statehood.

“Today marks the 34th anniversary since we regained our freedom. There is no legal reason preventing Somaliland’s recognition — only political decisions, and political decisions are not permanent,” he said.

The President revealed that his government had sent formal recognition letters to the heads of state and monarchs of all 195 UN member states, reminding them of their responsibility to uphold international justice and acknowledge Somaliland’s right to self-determination.

“I thank the countries that have maintained security and economic relations with us, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan,” he added.

Reflecting on history, President Irro stated that the optimism that led Somaliland to unite with southern Somalia in 1960 marked the beginning of the long-standing crisis.

He emphasized that Hargeisa’s experience offers valuable lessons, particularly for other Somali communities.

If cooperation is encouraged, he said, Somaliland could play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability across the Horn of Africa and within Somalia.

“I am confident that the Republic of Somaliland, as an independent nation, can significantly contribute to resolving the longstanding crisis facing our Somali brothers and sisters,” Irro said.

The national celebration gained momentum with colorful displays including camels and horses draped in the national flag, traditional dances, and performances by school children, showcasing national pride.

President Irro reiterated that Somaliland’s ports, airports, territorial waters, and natural resources are matters that can only be negotiated directly with the government and people of Somaliland.

“Only the Somaliland government has the legitimacy to negotiate on our resources,” he stated, firmly rejecting any involvement by external actors.

He also addressed recent unrest in the eastern and western regions of Somaliland, calling for peaceful dialogue and negotiations to resolve internal disputes.

Finally, President Irro praised the Somaliland diaspora, emphasizing their crucial role in economic support and international advocacy. He noted that diaspora communities provide the largest share of financial inflows to the country, and urged them to continue their investments and efforts in promoting Somaliland’s quest for recognition.

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