Irro pushes for U.S. recognition while finalizing Ethiopia trade pact amid Berbera’s rising strategic role.
Somaliland is inching closer to international recognition, and President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is betting big on U.S. support. Speaking at the 2025 World Government Summit in Dubai, Irro made it clear—Somaliland expects Washington to be the first to officially recognize its sovereignty.
Irro’s confidence stems from Somaliland’s stable democratic governance and its growing strategic value. With geopolitical shifts intensifying in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland’s well-functioning institutions and regional security role make it an asset for U.S. interests. If Washington acknowledges Somaliland’s independence, it could trigger a domino effect, forcing other global players to follow suit.
Meanwhile, Irro is strengthening economic ties with Ethiopia, Somaliland’s largest trade partner. The long-anticipated Berbera deal with Addis Ababa is now in its final stages, set to deepen Ethiopia’s reliance on the UAE-backed port. The $450 million DP World investment has already transformed Berbera into a regional trade powerhouse.
With Berbera attracting U.S. military interest and Somaliland emerging as a critical player in Red Sea security, recognition may be closer than ever. If the U.S. makes the first move, Somaliland’s sovereignty could soon become an undeniable reality.
