“Somaliland is a region within Somalia with grievances we seek to resolve through dialogue,” said Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, reaffirming Mogadishu’s stance that Somaliland remains part of Somalia.

Earlier this month, President Irro was given a prominent platform at the Dubai summit, where he called on the international community to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.

Initially, Somalia downplayed the visit, comparing it to trips made by leaders of its federal states.

However, Foreign Minister Fiqi has now made it clear that Mogadishu will not ignore what it sees as interference in its sovereignty.

“Somalia will not tolerate interference,” he said, adding that the government is taking steps to address its relations with the UAE.

He did not specify what measures Mogadishu intends to take.

Diplomatic Fallout Over Somaliland’s International Recognition Bid

Irro’s visit, his first foreign trip since taking office, has escalated diplomatic tensions between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi.

His state-level reception in the UAE has been seen as an implicit challenge to Somalia’s territorial integrity.

During the summit, President Irro addressed representatives from over 30 governments, highlighting Somaliland’s strategic location and governance as key reasons for international recognition.

He also spoke alongside Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, which holds a 51% stake in Somaliland’s Port of Berbera—a key infrastructure project strengthening UAE-Somaliland ties.

In his speech, Irro also referenced the potential for U.S. recognition, stating:

Somaliland President @Abdirahmanirro leveraged his platform at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday to advocate for Somaliland’s international recognition. pic.twitter.com/yoVZgZY5t1

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) February 12, 2025

“We have strong relations with the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Given our democratic governance, we hope the international community will acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty.”

“We hope that the United States may be the first country to recognize Somaliland,” he added, alluding to the anticipated foreign policy stance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

Relations between the UAE and Somalia’s federal government have been at their lowest point in recent years, with Abu Dhabi strengthening direct engagements with Somaliland and Puntland—two regions that have distanced themselves from Mogadishu’s central authority.

While Mogadishu has yet to outline specific countermeasures, its warning signals a deepening diplomatic rift over Somaliland’s growing international outreach.

The post Somalia Threatens Action Against UAE Over Somaliland appeared first on Kaab TV.

Addressing representatives from over 30 world governments, he emphasized Somaliland’s strategic location and governance as key factors warranting global recognition.

The summit, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together world leaders, business executives, influential figures, tech entrepreneurs, and investors.

During a panel discussion alongside Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, which holds a 51% stake in Somaliland’s Port of Berbera, President Irro reiterated Somaliland’s geopolitical importance.

“Given the current situation in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland holds a highly strategic position with 850 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Aden. Somaliland gained independence on June 26, 1960, but later chose to merge with Greater Somalia. However, on May 18, 1991, we decided to reclaim our sovereignty,” he stated.

Somaliland President @Abdirahmanirro leveraged his platform at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday to advocate for Somaliland’s international recognition. pic.twitter.com/yoVZgZY5t1

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) February 12, 2025

Despite the lack of formal recognition, Irro highlighted that many nations already engage with Somaliland as a separate entity.

“Somaliland is a democratic nation that holds elections and ensures peaceful transfers of power. We expect recognition from the international community based on our governance and stability,” he added.

Prospects of U.S. Recognition

President Irro also addressed the possibility of U.S. recognition, mentioning the anticipated stance of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We have strong relations with the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Given our democratic governance, we hope the international community will acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty,” he said.

“We hope that the United States may be the first country to recognize Somaliland,” he added.

Speaking at the same session, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem clarified DP World’s business-driven approach to its investment in Berbera Port.

“Our decision to invest in Berbera was not political; it was purely based on business potential. Africa is essential for us—Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia are key trade partners for Dubai, and significant exports go to these countries,” he explained.

Notably, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not invited to the summit. Adding to the diplomatic strain, three Somalia Federal Government ministers were reportedly disinvited after their names were mistakenly labeled as “Somaliland ministers,” sparking outrage in Mogadishu.

Relations between Somalia and the UAE have been tense, with Abu Dhabi scaling up direct engagement with both Somaliland and Puntland, bypassing the Somali federal government.

The post Somaliland President Hopes for Trump’s Recognition, Expects UK to Follow Suit appeared first on Kaab TV.