NEW YORK CITY

Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, often referred to as “Irro,” shared his thoughts with Breitbart News recently at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He expressed that U.S. President Donald Trump is a “great man” capable of making even more history by officially recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation.

Somaliland, which is a partially recognized territory within Somalia, has been striving to separate fully from Somalia due to widespread issues like corruption, terrorism, and piracy. The region has received formal recognition from Israel, its first and only acknowledgment as of late 2025. Despite the lack of broader recognition, Somaliland has been forging close ties with Western nations and has positioned itself as a pro-American entity, particularly aligning itself with Trump.

“I think President Trump is a great man,” Abdullahi remarked during an exclusive interview in his hotel room midtown Manhattan in late September. “He has made history, and by recognizing a new country called Somaliland, he could do even more. We are ready to cooperate unconditionally in fighting terrorism, piracy, and ensuring safer marine trade routes, especially given our strategic location.”

Abdullahi highlighted that ports in Somaliland, especially in Berbera, are well-equipped to accommodate the needs of major shipping companies and are currently handling substantial volumes of goods.

“As I mentioned, Berbera is ideally located, and due to current global circumstances, even some of the world’s largest shipping companies are using Berbera to transport goods securely,” he explained. “The demand for Berbera has been on the rise, and it can manage large container operations.”

He also expressed his support for Trump receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in resolving major international conflicts, including the longstanding war in Africa involving the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

“I believe I might be the first African leader to recommend him for a Nobel Peace Prize, given his success in addressing several global conflicts during his time in office,” Abdullahi stated.

While he hasn’t secured U.S. recognition for Somaliland during his trip, Abdullahi remarked on the productive discussions held over the past weeks in Washington and New York.

“We were warmly welcomed in the U.S.,” he said. “Our time in Washington was fruitful; we engaged with congressmen, senators, and various departments, including State, Defense, Energy, and Treasury. I also had the opportunity to speak at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, engaging with various organizations here.”

Although formal recognition is still pending, Abdullahi noted that Somalilanders are currently satisfied with the extent of U.S. engagement. “We feel good about the level of dialogue we’ve had,” he commented. “While we didn’t get immediate recognition, we are hopeful for positive progress moving forward.”

Looking ahead, he envisions the relationship between the U.S. and Somaliland deepening, particularly given their existing collaborations in anti-piracy, counterterrorism, and economic initiatives. He believes the strategic use of Somaliland’s ports will play a crucial role.

“I definitely see fruitful cooperation between the U.S. and Somaliland. Historically, the U.S. has utilized our ports during various administrations, and before that, the Russians did too,” Abdullahi noted. “Somaliland has the potential to become a major trade corridor for landlocked African nations and could serve as a global logistics hub.”

Abdullahi pointed out that Africa is increasingly recognized as a rising global player, attracting substantial investments due to its rich natural resources. “Some $400 billion is currently flowing into Africa,” he remarked. “This continent holds the majority of the world’s resources in minerals, energy, agriculture, and industry, making it crucial for future economic growth.”

He further emphasized Somaliland’s geopolitical significance, especially in light of regional tensions involving Houthis in Yemen and Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz. “For over 35 years, we have successfully secured our waters, vital for global trade,” Abdullahi explained. “Somaliland is strategically located just 100 kilometers from Yemen, and the current security issues in Hormuz increase our importance on the world stage.”

He mentioned that discussions are underway to enhance counterterrorism cooperation between the U.S. and Somaliland and to explore further economic partnerships.

“We are already involved in talks with the U.S. regarding counterterrorism,” he stated. “Somaliland has historically fought terrorism and piracy independently, so I see significant opportunities for collaboration in economy, trade, and security.”

Abdullahi described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a pivotal moment. “I believe Israel’s acknowledgment opened doors for us,” he said. “Somaliland is now on the global map.”

Addressing the situation in Gaza, he mentioned that Somaliland is prepared to contribute 2,000 peacekeeping troops to peace efforts led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. “I’ve been asked what we can do about Gaza, and I told them we are ready to send 2,000 peacekeepers,” he affirmed.

He concluded by conveying a hopeful message to Americans about the potential of Somaliland. “I want people to know that amidst the challenges facing Somalia, there is a stable and democratic nation called Somaliland that holds great promise,” Abdullahi remarked. “My message to the president is simple: recognizing Somaliland could be a historic move and a partnership opportunity.”

Ultimately, he emphasized that Somaliland isn’t looking for aid but seeks partnerships that can foster mutual growth. “We didn’t come to the U.S. for handouts,” he clarified. “We want to build partnerships in trade and security. Somaliland can play a crucial role in America’s future.”