By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa-The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), today held an important meeting at the Presidential Palace with the heads of United Nations agencies, led by the highest official for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. George Conway, along with a large delegation that included the head of the UN OCHA office, Blaise Kabongo Mujika, and other senior officials from the UN office in Somaliland.
First, the head of the UN delegation, Mr. George Conway, congratulated the President of Somaliland on the historic victory he achieved in the 2024 Presidential Election.
Similarly, the delegation commended the nation of Somaliland for its security, stability, democracy, and adherence to international laws and regulations, stating that UN agencies will continue to strengthen the longstanding and effective partnership they have with Somaliland.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, in turn, discussed key issues of national importance with the delegation, including: peace and stability, democratic affairs, humanitarian aid, and the review and reassessment of the quantity, quality, and financial scope of projects implemented by UN agencies in the Republic of Somaliland.
The President of Somaliland informed the delegation that despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has successfully maintained peace, security, and the construction of a democratic statehood for over 30 years—an achievement that is rare and exceptional in the Horn of Africa, a region plagued by conflicts.
President Abdirahman Cirro told the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations for Somaliland and Somalia that the UN’s support should be based on fairness, ensuring that Somaliland receives appropriate and equitable support and assistance.
The President of Somaliland also informed the Deputy Special Representative that Somaliland has conducted multiple transparent elections held in peace, including at the presidential, parliamentary, and local levels. Furthermore, Somaliland is now preparing for the upcoming electoral cycles, which are expected to take place within the scheduled timeframe, in accordance with our legal framework that prevents the country from falling into election-related disputes and political controversies.
In conclusion, the President of Somaliland told the Deputy Special Representative that Somaliland is ready to engage in constructive and meaningful cooperation with the UN but will not beg for it. Somaliland is prepared to address the serious challenges facing the Horn of Africa region.
The President of Somaliland emphasized to the UN that Somaliland must not be equated with Somalia. The UN should respect Somaliland’s official stance regarding the self-determination of the people and nation of Somaliland—a historic decision fully endorsed by the people of Somaliland through a free and fair referendum.
