Somali FM downplays significance of Somaliland leader’s UAE visit, warns against interference

Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has downplayed the recent visit of Abdirahman Irro, leader of the breakaway Somaliland region, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dismissing speculation that it signified a shift in recognition policy.

In an interview with VOA Somali, Fiqi said Irro’s visit was similar to those made by leaders of Somalia’s regional states and did not indicate that the UAE was moving toward recognizing Somaliland’s claim to independence. He emphasized that Somalia and the UAE maintain strong diplomatic ties, and hosting Somaliland officials does not equate to political recognition.

“Somaliland is a region of Somalia with grievances, and we are committed to addressing them through dialogue. Irro’s visit to the UAE is no different from visits by leaders of Somalia’s regional states,” Fiqi said.

However, he stressed that Somalia would not accept any foreign interference in its internal affairs, including from the UAE.

“We are strengthening our ties with the UAE, but we will not tolerate interference,” he said, without elaborating on what measures Somalia might take in response.

Irro was invited to the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai earlier this month, a move that sparked criticism among Somalis who viewed it as a potential step toward legitimizing Somaliland’s independence claim. The controversy deepened after he was addressed as “President,” though some argued the title could refer to a regional leader.

During the summit, Irro called on the international community to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.