HARGEISA — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Wednesday accused Somalia and Djibouti of interfering in Somaliland’s internal affairs, warning that the self-declared republic would defend its sovereignty and political decisions amid mounting regional tensions over its growing ties with Israel.
Speaking during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Hargeisa, Irro said Somaliland’s foreign policy is founded on peaceful coexistence, regional cooperation and mutual respect, but claimed neighboring countries had adopted hostile positions toward Somaliland in recent months.
“Many countries have shown hostility to Somaliland, but we have not caused any harm,” Irro said. “Our policy is based on good neighborliness and peace.”
The Somaliland leader specifically called on Somalia and Djibouti to refrain from what he described as political interference and to respect Somaliland’s right to determine its own diplomatic relations.
“We are telling Djibouti and Somalia to respect the peace and good neighborliness of neighboring countries,” he said. “Somaliland has the right to defend itself from interference.”
Irro also urged Somaliland citizens to preserve unity, stability and social cohesion at a time of heightened political and diplomatic pressure in the Horn of Africa.
The remarks come amid worsening relations between Somaliland and several regional governments following reports of expanding cooperation between Hargeisa and Israel. Somaliland authorities have reportedly discussed plans to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Israel, including speculation about opening a representative office or embassy in Jerusalem.
The move has drawn criticism from Somalia, Djibouti and several Arab and African nations, which argue that any independent foreign policy initiative by Somaliland undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and violates regional consensus in support of the Palestinian cause.
The federal government of Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory despite Somaliland’s self-declared independence since 1991, has repeatedly rejected any international agreements or diplomatic arrangements made by Hargeisa without Mogadishu’s approval.
Djibouti has also expressed concern over growing geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, where regional rivalries and foreign strategic interests have increasingly shaped diplomatic relations.
Somaliland, which operates with its own government, currency and security forces, has sought broader international recognition for more than three decades but remains unrecognized by the United Nations and the African Union.
The dispute over Somaliland’s relations with Israel comes as the Horn of Africa faces rising diplomatic competition involving Gulf states, Western powers and regional actors seeking influence along key Red Sea and maritime trade routes.
