Monday September 22, 2025
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro (centre) poses with senior U.S. military officials during their visit to Hargeisa on Sept. 22, 2025. The meeting focused on strengthening security cooperation and deepening engagement between Somaliland and the United States.
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro met Monday with senior U.S. military officials overseeing East Africa operations, in talks his office said focused on strengthening security cooperation and deepening engagement with Washington.
The visit coincides with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee’s approval of a bipartisan legislative package, centred on H.R. 5300, which includes provisions to promote U.S. engagement with Somaliland. Among these are calls for easing travel and investment restrictions, reviewing the establishment of a diplomatic office in Hargeisa, and recognizing Somaliland’s record of stability and democratic governance.
In a statement, Irro thanked the delegation for travelling to Hargeisa and discussed regional stability, security partnerships and the long-term relationship between Somaliland and the United States. He highlighted Somaliland’s “strategic importance” in the Horn of Africa, describing it as a reliable partner that has maintained peace, democracy and social development for more than three decades.
Irro also welcomed support from members of Congress for backing Somaliland’s political aspirations.
The U.S. officers praised Somaliland for preserving stability and contributing to security on both land and sea. They pledged to accelerate cooperation through expanded training, technical support and joint security programs.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated as a de facto autonomous state ever since, with its own government, security forces, and institutions. However, it remains unrecognized as a sovereign state by the United States, the African Union and most of the international community.