Ethiopia, Somalia, the UAE, the U.S. African Bureau, and Djibouti have extended their congratulations to Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullahi Irro, the newly elected president of Somaliland, following the peaceful election held on November 13.
Outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi also acknowledged the results, congratulating Irro and pledging his full support for a smooth transition of power. “I pledge my full support for a smooth transition of power. May your tenure bring peace, progress, and enduring success to our beloved nation,” Bihi stated in a post on X.
Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, also offered his congratulations, praising Somaliland’s political maturity. “Congratulations to the newly elected President of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, and to the brotherly people of Somaliland for their political maturity in continuously adhering to the ethics of elections held under the sign of order, peace, and stability,” Guelleh said in his statement.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lauded the democratic process and wished Irro success in his leadership of Somaliland. Somalia, despite its long-standing territorial claim over the region, acknowledged the election outcome, reflecting a shift in regional dynamics. The U.S. African Bureau also praised the peaceful transition, while the UAE emphasized the importance of continued stability and progress in the Horn of Africa.
The election featured Abdirahman Irro of the Waddani party, Muse Bihi Abdi from Kulmiye, and Faysal Ali Warabe of UCID, with Irro being declared the winner by the electoral commission. More than a million voters participated, with record-high turnout.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, still seeks international recognition, asserting its historic statehood prior to uniting with Somalia. Supporters of Somaliland’s independence view the recent election as an opportunity to push for greater global acknowledgment, particularly in the West.
In related developments, Ethiopia has found itself in a delicate diplomatic situation after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland granting Ethiopia access to a 20-kilometer stretch of coastal land in exchange for formal recognition of Somaliland. The agreement, which is expected to last for 50 years, has escalated tensions with Somalia, which continues to assert its claim over Somaliland. Despite this, Ethiopia has indicated its intention to formally recognize Somaliland once the MoU is finalized. However, Somaliland remains unrecognized as an independent country by any United Nations member state, leaving its international status in limbo.
The election and its international reactions have revitalized Somaliland’s push for recognition. While Somalia continues to assert its claim over the region, the global community’s increasing engagement with Somaliland suggests a shift in how the self-declared state is perceived in the broader geopolitical context.
Additionally, there are claims that former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously shown interest in recognizing Somaliland during his tenure, may pursue the official recognition of the country once he assumes office again. This potential move is being closely watched by those who advocate for Somaliland’s independence, as it could influence international recognition and the broader political landscape in the Horn of Africa.
As regional dynamics evolve, Ethiopia remains Somaliland’s key ally, and tensions with Somalia rise over issues like the Berbera port deal. With growing international interest, Somaliland’s quest for recognition continues to gather momentum.
