DAVOS, Switzerland — The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro,” used his ongoing participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to position Somaliland as a stable, democratic and investable partner in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
Speaking to international leaders and global investors attending the forum, President Irro called for a reassessment of Somaliland’s role on the international stage, highlighting the territory’s record of more than three decades of peace, democratic governance, security and political stability in the conflict-prone Horn of Africa.
In an in-depth interview with journalist John Defterios and during meetings on the sidelines of the annual gathering, the president described Somaliland as a strategic gateway linking Africa, the Middle East and major global trade routes. He detailed investment opportunities across key sectors including livestock, agriculture, fisheries, minerals and oil.
President Irro stressed that Somaliland is seeking partnership, not dependency.
“We are not asking for help. We have come to offer cooperation based on peace, democracy and shared opportunities,” he said.
He told investors that Somaliland offers political stability, legal certainty, and security — rare attributes in the Horn of Africa — making it a reliable destination for long-term investment.
The president also welcomed Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, thanking the Israeli government for what he called a courageous and historic decision. He urged other nations to follow suit and recognize what he described as the “real political realities” in the region.
Irro further outlined Somaliland’s growing regional cooperation, including plans to serve as a Red Sea trade corridor for Ethiopia and to expand cross-border trade, energy links and infrastructure development.
In his closing remarks, the president called on the international community to reward Somaliland’s long-standing stability with full international recognition, enabling it to formally participate in the global economy.
“Together, let us turn our commitment into progress, our power into shared prosperity and historic cooperation,” he said.
