Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is visiting the United States as part of a diplomatic campaign to deepen international ties. During his visit, Irro expressed his government's desire to expand future security cooperation with the US and Israel. He mentioned that discussions are underway with US officials over possible security assistance, including training for Somaliland forces.
Irro stated that currently, neither Israel nor the US has a military presence in Somaliland, but his government wants to cooperate on security in the future. He described the possible training for Somaliland security personnel as part of a broader effort to strengthen future security cooperation. This development comes as Somaliland promotes its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Somaliland's strategic location makes it an attractive partner for international recognition. Irro has previously presented Berbera, with its deep-water port and long airport runway, as a potential security and logistics hub for international partners. In recent interviews, he has discussed the possibility of expanded US and Israeli access to Berbera. This has sparked interest from countries looking to establish a presence in the region.
Israel formally recognized Somaliland in December 2025, becoming the first country to do so. Following this recognition, Irro travelled to Israel for talks that included security cooperation, trade, and investment. However, Somalia strongly opposes Somaliland's claim to independence and considers the territory part of its sovereign territory. This has created tension between Somaliland and Somalia.
During his visit to the US, Irro addressed the United Arab Emirates' presence in Berbera, saying there was no "significant presence" of Emirati forces in Somaliland. However, reports suggest that there has been continued military-related construction around Berbera Airport. Satellite imagery has shown excavation and construction near the airport, including underground structures that security experts believe could be used for ammunition or fuel storage.
Irro also raised the possibility of naming Berbera Airport after US President Donald Trump. He has sought to cultivate ties with the Trump administration and US lawmakers during his Washington visit, presenting Somaliland as a potential partner on Red Sea security, trade, and access to strategic infrastructure. Irro stated that he had been among the first leaders in East Africa to publicly support Trump for an international peace prize.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained its own government, security institutions, and currency. However, its status remains disputed, and Somalia's federal government continues to reject any agreements with Somaliland that it says bypass Mogadishu's authority. Irro's visit to the US and his efforts to establish security cooperation with the US and Israel are seen as key steps in Somaliland's quest for international recognition.
Key points
- Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro seeks expanded security cooperation with the US and Israel.
- Somaliland promotes its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait as part of its push for broader international recognition.
- Somalia strongly opposes Somaliland's claim to independence and considers the territory part of its sovereign territory.
