Djibouti and Somaliland reaffirm cultural unity and strategic partnership in a high-level summit led by Presidents Guelleh and Irro.

( L ) President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro ( R ) President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti at Djibouti’s Republic Palace

In the heart of Djibouti’s Republic Palace, a new chapter in the Horn of Africa’s future was quietly, but powerfully, written. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s state visit to Djibouti, his first regional engagement since Somaliland’s 34th Independence anniversary, was more than a diplomatic gesture. It was a symbolic reset. A declaration that the future of the region can be shaped by its sons, not dictated by distant empires or foreign bases.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti welcomed Irro with the highest honors, signaling an extraordinary shift in regional politics. As the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral trade, port infrastructure, cross-border security, and technological connectivity, they laid the groundwork for a strategic alliance that could disrupt the geopolitical chessboard of the Red Sea corridor.

This summit carries immense historical weight. For decades, Somaliland and Djibouti were perceived as peripheral players in East African geopolitics. But the tides are turning. Somaliland has asserted its de facto independence with democratic resilience and economic ambition, while Djibouti has evolved into a critical global logistics hub, hosting bases from world powers and controlling key maritime chokepoints.

President Irro’s tour of Djibouti-Telecom’s submarine cable landing station is emblematic of this emerging paradigm. “We are proud to share our expertise and strengthen cooperation with our neighbors for an interconnected digital future,” said Djibouti’s Minister of Communications, Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon. In these words lies the blueprint for an East African renaissance driven not by handouts but by high-speed infrastructure, shared vision, and strategic unity.

Minister Ilyas M. Dawaleh of Djibouti echoed the sentiment with a powerful welcome message: “Djibouti and Somaliland are two branches of the same tree. Brothers and sisters, God created us, and we will always be.” This fraternal rhetoric isn’t mere poetry; it’s a policy stance. It paves the way for deeper cooperation in energy, trade, education, and regional diplomacy—all led by Africans with a stake in the outcome.

With Ethiopia reasserting its maritime ambitions and foreign actors scrambling to consolidate influence across the Horn, the Irro-Guelleh alliance offers an indigenous counterbalance rooted in shared history and mutual respect. By tightening bilateral frameworks, formalizing trade routes, and harmonizing border security, Somaliland and Djibouti can anchor stability in a region often painted by instability.

This alliance is not just a diplomatic footnote. It’s a bold reimagining of African agency. If sustained, it can redefine how sovereignty, cooperation, and innovation converge in the Horn. It could mark the beginning of a new African order—one written not in colonial capitals, but in Hargeisa and Djibouti City. The Horn is no longer a battleground. Under Irro and Guelleh, it could become a beacon.

President Irro explores Djibouti-Telecom’s high-tech submarine cable station, signaling regional digital integration.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro visits Djibouti-Telecom’s submarine cable landing site, marking a major step toward digital cooperation and regional tech synergy.

On the first day of his strategic visit to Djibouti, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro made a pivotal stop at the heart of East Africa’s digital infrastructure: Djibouti-Telecom’s submarine cable landing station in Haramous. The visit underscores the growing importance of digital connectivity in Somaliland’s regional diplomacy and economic modernization agenda.

President Irro, accompanied by members of his cabinet and key officials, was warmly received by Djibouti’s Minister of Communications, Posts, and Telecommunications, Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon, and the CEO of Djibouti-Telecom. The delegation toured the facility’s high-security data center and state-of-the-art submarine cable infrastructure, gaining firsthand insight into how Djibouti has become a continental digital gateway.

With ten international submarine cables passing through its territory, Djibouti has positioned itself as the primary digital transit hub of East Africa, offering vital connections to Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

“Djibouti is currently crossed by ten international submarine cables—an exceptional concentration that positions our country as a key connectivity hub in East Africa,” said Minister Bahdon.

“We are proud to share our expertise and strengthen cooperation with our neighbors for an interconnected digital future.”

For Somaliland, the visit was more than symbolic—it was strategic. As President Irro pushes for economic diversification and tech-driven governance, digital infrastructure partnerships are becoming central to his foreign policy. Observers note that enhanced tech collaboration with Djibouti could pave the way for shared data corridors, fiber interconnectivity, and joint ventures in digital trade and cybersecurity.

The stop at Haramous follows Irro’s high-level talks with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and reflects a broader diplomatic pivot: one that links regional security, trade, and digital transformation.

This moment also marks a significant thaw in relations between Hargeisa and Djibouti. Once strained over political differences, both governments now appear aligned on the importance of regional integration through technology and strategic infrastructure.

President Irro’s visit to Djibouti-Telecom represents more than a tour of cables—it’s a message: Somaliland is not just seeking political recognition, but digital relevance in a rapidly shifting Horn of Africa.

President Irro and President Guelleh launch high-level talks as Djibouti’s top officials hail “unbreakable ties” and open doors to deeper strategic, trade, and security cooperation. President Irro’s Visit to Djibouti Gains Momentum as Top Djiboutian Minister Issues Warm Welcome.

Somaliland’s President Irro lands in Djibouti for a milestone visit to strengthen bilateral ties with President Guelleh. Warm welcome from Djibouti’s Minister of Economy signals new chapter in regional diplomacy and unity.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Republic of Somaliland has arrived in Djibouti for a three-day working visit at the invitation of President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The visit signals a strategic reset between the two Horn of Africa neighbors—twin nations divided by borders, but bound by history, culture, and economic fate.

The bilateral meeting comes at a crucial moment in regional geopolitics, with heightened competition among global powers for influence in the Red Sea corridor. For Somaliland, this marks President Irro’s most important diplomatic outreach since taking office—an effort to position Somaliland as a strategic partner in Africa’s most contested maritime theatre.

“Djibouti and Somaliland are two branches of the same tree,” declared Ilyas M. Dawaleh, Djibouti’s influential Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry, and Secretary General of the ruling RPP party, in a welcoming post on X. “Brothers and sisters, God created us, and we will always be”

Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh
Minister of Economy and Finance, Republic of Djibouti

Dawaleh’s statement is more than sentiment—it’s a clear signal that Djibouti is ready to engage Somaliland as a legitimate regional stakeholder. Analysts say the emotional warmth combined with economic intent could usher in new agreements on trade, port logistics, infrastructure cooperation, and cross-border security.

The talks are expected to cover a wide range of strategic issues, including enhanced trade routes between Berbera and Djibouti, counterterrorism collaboration, and joint infrastructure projects that could serve both nations’ economic ambitions.

President Irro’s delegation includes senior ministers and top advisers, reflecting the weight Hargeisa places on this diplomatic overture. After years of fluctuating relations and muted engagement, Irro’s direct dialogue with Guelleh is being viewed as a breakthrough—particularly as Somaliland pursues broader international recognition.

The visit also plays well into Djibouti’s long-term regional calculus. Surrounded by an increasingly unstable Horn, Djibouti benefits from closer cooperation with a functioning, peaceful neighbor like Somaliland. The potential for shared port logistics, transit corridors, and coordinated maritime security is too great to ignore—especially with Gulf powers, China, and the United States expanding their stakes in the region.

For Somaliland, the trip is equally symbolic and pragmatic. It presents an opportunity to show the world—and particularly the African continent—that Somaliland is not isolated, but actively engaged in regional diplomacy and cooperation.

As President Irro and President Guelleh prepare for closed-door talks, the message is clear: the Horn of Africa has room for homegrown partnerships rooted in mutual respect and regional solidarity. For Djibouti and Somaliland, this visit could mark the beginning of a renewed alliance, driven not by global agendas—but by the undeniable bond of shared destiny.

Why Sa’eed Nuor Jama’s Vision Could Make Somaliland’s Parliament the Engine of National Renewal. 

As Somaliland approaches its critical 2026 elections, Sa’eed Nuor Jama emerges as the transformative force capable of redefining the nation’s legislative future. Can he lead the Parliament out of clan politics and into a new era?

In a country striving for international recognition and battling for legitimacy in the eyes of the world, the 2026 elections are no ordinary milestone for Somaliland. They are a test of whether the nation’s democratic promises hold substance—or collapse under the weight of clan-based power structures and political inertia.

At this historic crossroads stands Sa’eed Nuor Jama, the reformist technocrat from Hargeisa who many believe is poised to become the next Speaker of Somaliland’s Parliament.

Jama is not just another political figure. He is the quiet architect behind Hargeisa’s transformation. As Secretary General of the Hargeisa Local Council, his fingerprints are on the 71 modern roads totaling over 103 kilometers built in just three years—a staggering accomplishment in a country with no international recognition and limited resources. While others debate, Jama builds. Schools, offices, and basic services in the capital have all seen tangible upgrades under his leadership.

And now, he’s taking that same reformist energy national.

Sa’eed Nuor Jama represents a new generation of leaders who believe parliament should serve the people, not just preserve power for elites. With a background in environmental science and international relations, and experience in both academia and civil service, he brings the rare combination of intellect, administrative discipline, and grassroots credibility. His work ethic is legendary. Those close to him joke that he never sleeps. In truth, he has no time for political games when the stakes are this high.

The coming elections are make-or-break. They will either expose the rot in Somaliland’s democratic experiment or give it a second wind. The Speaker of Parliament must be more than a ceremonial figure—he must be a stabilizer, a reformer, and a fighter for legislative integrity. Jama fits that bill.

This is not just about a leadership contest—it’s about whether Somaliland moves forward or continues to be held hostage by outdated systems of tribal patronage. Electing Sa’eed Nuor Jama as Speaker would be a powerful national statement: that Somaliland is ready to be governed by builders, not gatekeepers.

At a time when President Irro is championing national reform and institutions are being reshaped, the Parliament must mirror that energy.

Somaliland deserves a Parliament that delivers. Sa’eed Nuor Jama has already shown he can. Let the man who built Hargeisa now build a future-ready legislature for the nation.

Let the old politics fade. Let the builders rise.

In a landmark speech marking the 34th anniversary of Somaliland’s declaration of restored independence, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro delivered a powerful message of clarity, conviction, and global outreach. His words—deliberate and unapologetic—sent an unmissable signal to both domestic audiences and international powers: Somaliland is sovereign, stable, and here to stay.

President Irro’s address was not merely ceremonial. It was strategic. It was a declaration of intent.

He began by anchoring Somaliland’s identity in historical truth. From British colonial rule to the ill-fated union with Italian Somalia, the President reaffirmed that Somaliland’s decision to reassert its independence in 1991 was neither a rebellion nor secession—it was a legitimate reversal of an unratified union that cost its people dearly in blood and dignity.

“Somaliland controls its affairs and charts its future—without proxies,” Irro declared, forcefully rejecting any notion that foreign interests shape the destiny of his country. It was a reaffirmation of national agency in a region too often defined by external manipulation.

But while the tone was defiant, the President’s vision was not insular.

He laid out a compelling foreign policy doctrine rooted in peace, mutual respect, and partnership. “Somaliland is open to all nations who seek cooperation and mutual benefit,” Irro affirmed, extending a hand of friendship to existing partners and potential investors. His recognition of Ethiopia, Kenya, UAE, Taiwan, the UK, the US, and Djibouti as key bilateral allies signaled a shift from passive diplomacy to proactive alliance-building.

The most poignant moment came as President Irro revealed that he had written to heads of state across the world, urging them to formally recognize Somaliland’s de facto statehood as de jure independence. “We are ready. The world can no longer pretend we do not exist,” he said, encapsulating the national mood.

Irro’s message was not only directed outward but also inward. He called for national unity, warning against the corrosive effects of tribalism, and emphasized that the defense of the nation is not just a government obligation—it is a duty shared by all Somalilanders.

He elevated the role of the diaspora, calling them “our ambassadors abroad”, and praised Somaliland women as the torchbearers of national resilience. His promise to integrate them more fully into governance signals a progressive turn in domestic policy. For the youth, he offered both challenge and hope: abandon division and rise to the responsibility of leading tomorrow’s Somaliland.

The event itself—held in Hargeisa’s central square and attended by dignitaries, former leaders, foreign envoys, and all branches of state and society—was a show of national unity, military strength, and cultural pride. It was Somaliland’s declaration to the world that it is not waiting for recognition—it is commanding it.

Analysis:
President Irro’s speech marks a pivotal shift from defensive nationalism to strategic assertiveness. It reflects a maturing leadership style aimed at transitioning Somaliland from a diplomatic underdog to a rising regional actor. With foreign investments increasing and global alliances expanding, Irro is redefining what it means to lead an unrecognized state in the 21st century: you don’t beg for legitimacy—you prove it, daily, through peace, stability, and vision.

In this 34th year, Somaliland doesn’t just remember its past—it demands its future. And President Irro is placing himself at the forefront of that demand.

In a monumental show of solidarity, Cardiff Castle hosts Somaliland’s flag for the first time—sending a global message of recognition, resilience, and respect.

Somaliland’s flag rises above Cardiff Castle, Wales, in a landmark Independence Day celebration uniting diaspora, dignitaries, and cultural allies. A symbolic call to global leaders and investors.

For the first time in history, the red, white, and green flag of the Republic of Somaliland was raised high above one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks—Cardiff Castle—as a bold symbol of dignity, diaspora pride, and the unyielding march toward international recognition.

More than just a ceremony, this was a strategic diplomatic signal. With Welsh government officials, Cardiff Council dignitaries, and community leaders in attendance, the flag raising was a masterstroke of grassroots diplomacy—amplifying Somaliland’s presence on the world stage without needing permission from gatekeepers in Mogadishu or global corridors of power.

At exactly 12:30 PM, as the sun broke through the Welsh sky, the flag unfurled to cheers, traditional songs, and schoolchildren’s poetry. It was not just about the past—it was a blueprint for the future.

“This flag raising at Cardiff Castle is a proud and symbolic moment. It reflects our identity, our hopes for recognition, and our gratitude to Wales,” said Ali Abdi BEM, the community’s lead organiser.

Indeed, the Wales–Somaliland relationship is no accident. From health and education partnerships to cultural collaboration and language advocacy, Wales has long stood with Somalilanders in their quiet pursuit of self-determination. Today, that friendship is broadcast from a national monument.

This isn’t just a diaspora event—it’s a message to the world: Somaliland exists. Somaliland endures. Somaliland deserves recognition.

Every flagpole matters. Every castle wall that carries the Somaliland emblem becomes a soft power frontline in the battle for recognition. Cardiff Castle joins a growing list of international platforms—including Washington DC, London, and Oslo—where Somaliland’s case is being made by its people, not its proxies.

“Raising our flag in such a respected national landmark sends a powerful message of pride, resilience, and belonging,” said Abdikarim Adan, Director of the Wales Somaliland Community.

A Moment for Investors, Too

This global visibility is not just symbolic—it’s commercially strategic. With Somaliland unlocking billion-dollar energy and critical mineral reserves, every new flag raised around the world boosts its credibility in the eyes of cautious investors.

Somaliland’s real story isn’t just about the struggle for recognition—it’s about the rise of a secure, democratic, resource-rich African frontier waiting to be discovered.

WARYATV congratulates the people of Somaliland, the Wales Somaliland Community, and the leadership behind this historic ceremony.

This is not the end of the journey. It’s just the beginning.

A Call to World Leaders and Investors to Recognize and Engage with Somaliland’s Untapped Potential.

In a world increasingly defined by strategic realignment, energy transitions, and global insecurity, there lies one overlooked nation that defies every stereotype of its region: the Republic of Somaliland.

For 34 years, Somaliland has done what few African or Arab countries have achieved: sustained peace, democratic governance, regional stability, and a viable economy — all without international recognition. Now, as global powers scramble to secure rare earth minerals, dominate Red Sea trade routes, and court reliable partners in volatile zones, Somaliland emerges not as a charity case, but as a frontline opportunity.

To world leaders: Somaliland is the anchor of stability in the Horn of Africa. As Somalia reels under the weight of terrorism and internal discord, Somaliland has proven itself a democratic bulwark. With five peaceful elections, a functioning judiciary, and local ownership of its peace processes, Somaliland meets and exceeds many benchmarks required of fully recognized states. It is time the international community honored the facts on the ground.

To investors: Somaliland is more than geopolitically relevant—it is commercially irresistible. The Berbera Port, developed in partnership with DP World as a strategic logistics hub.

The newly discovered 150-million-barrel oil reserve and untapped rare earth minerals position Somaliland as a future critical mineral supplier. Its mining-friendly geography and growing energy sector offer high returns in a region primed for industrial acceleration.

To Somalilanders: The world is watching, and your determination has laid the foundation of a nation that stands tall without asking for pity. You have defended your sovereignty not just with arms but with ballots, books, and business plans. Continue to innovate, educate, and build. Your resilience is your greatest resource.

This is Somaliland’s moment. For policymakers in Washington, London, Brussels, and Jerusalem, it is a moment to act. Strategic partnerships, not symbolic aid, are needed. Recognition should not be held hostage by outdated politics.

For global investors, it’s a first-mover advantage. Engage now, and benefit from a nation hungry for transformation and partnership.

For Somalilanders, this is your era to rise, to lead, and to show the world that legitimacy is not given — it is earned.

Somaliland: Unrecognized by the world, but undeniable in its potential.

Somaliland’s president frees Burao detainees but draws the line at Las Anod combatants—denouncing “fake news” as a threat to national security.

Misinformation-fueled unrest reveals Somaliland’s fragile public trust and volatile regional dynamics.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro just faced his first internal crisis — and he chose containment over escalation. Following two deaths, dozens injured, and a city paralyzed by viral misinformation, Irro ordered the release of 150 Burao protesters arrested during Thursday’s violent unrest. But behind the act of clemency lies a hard line: no amnesty for Las Anod fighters. Period.

The protests ignited after false reports spread online suggesting prisoners involved in the 2023 Las Anod war would be pardoned as part of Somaliland’s May 18 celebrations. The claim, amplified through Facebook and WhatsApp groups, triggered public outrage in Burao, a city still grieving the fate of its own sons believed to be held captive by Khaatumo separatists.

Irro’s televised address Friday was calculated and sharp. He didn’t blame the people—he blamed the disinformation ecosystem that weaponized public emotions. His message was twofold: restore calm and discredit the lie.

But this wasn’t just about rumors. Togdheer’s social contract snapped for 24 hours — because the people feared betrayal. “Don’t free enemy fighters while ours rot in Las Anod,” was the chant that echoed across Burao. It struck a nerve that goes beyond political strategy: it challenged the moral backbone of Somaliland’s national narrative.

The Interior Minister, Abdalle “Sandheere,” quickly denied the rumors, warning that “firm action” would be taken against disinformation agents. Meanwhile, Irro’s administration sent envoys to Burao, held negotiations with local elders, and decided to release the detained protesters—not out of weakness, but to diffuse a ticking time bomb.

Yet pressure is growing on Hargeisa to clarify its long-term plan for war prisoners. Elder statesman Saleebaan Mahmuud Adan has floated the idea of an indirect exchange through Ethiopian intermediaries — signaling that even within the government, opinions diverge on whether to hold firm or negotiate with Khaatumo.

But for Irro, the line is drawn: no combatants, no terrorists, no Las Anod militia will be amnestied. That stance will win him support in Burao and beyond — but only if Somaliland moves decisively to secure the return of its own citizens held in enemy hands.

The real battle now isn’t just about prisoners — it’s about trust. And that, in 2025 Somaliland, is the rarest political currency of all.

How Misinformation Is Threatening Somaliland’s Stability