Mudnaanta Qaranka
The five-pillar national agenda
President Irro’s administration is anchored on five pillars. Here are the key facts, milestones and news behind each, drawn from the Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Priority 01
International Recognition
Advancing Somaliland’s bid for recognition through robust diplomacy and soft power.
Somaliland’s case is one of state continuity, not secession. It became independent from the United Kingdom on 26 June 1960, was recognised by 35 countries, and reasserted its sovereignty within its 1960 borders on 18 May 1991. It meets all four Montevideo criteria for statehood: a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government and the capacity to conduct international relations.
Key points
- Recognised by Israel, the first UN member state to do so, on 26 December 2025
- Diplomatic missions in 15 countries, including the US, UK, UAE and Ethiopia
- All four Montevideo criteria met continuously since 1991
Milestones
- DoneIndependence from the United Kingdom, recognised by 35 countries26 June 1960
- DoneSovereignty reasserted within the 1960 borders18 May 1991
- DoneFormal recognition by the State of Israel26 December 2025
- DoneSomaliland Independence and Recognition Institute (SIRI) launchedMay 2026
- DoneAmbassador presents credentials; Somaliland embassy in Israel opensMay 2026
- DoneState visit to Israel and summit with President HerzogJune 2026
- DoneUS President acknowledges Somaliland as a distinct countryOctober 2026
- In progressDiplomatic Missions Bill — passed by the House of Representatives, now before the House of EldersOctober 2026
Related news
Priority 02
Economic Transformation
Strengthening trade ties, investment flows and sustainable development.
Somaliland’s economy rests on livestock, agriculture, diaspora remittances and trade through Berbera Port. With an 850-kilometre coastline on the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor offer a gateway for trade into the Horn of Africa. The Government welcomes responsible investment in minerals, energy, fisheries and livestock.
Key points
- Main exports: livestock, hides, skins, myrrh and frankincense
- Key trade partners: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti and Ethiopia
- A national currency, the Somaliland Shilling, and a functioning banking system
Milestones
- DoneDomestic revenue on target; World Bank and African Development Bank projects progressingMay 2026
- DoneLivestock exports perform strongly through the Hajj seasonMay 2026
- In progressLivestock vaccination and treatment campaign in the eastern regionsOctober 2026
- In progressBanka Qoolcaday Project for rural livelihoods and livestock productivityOctober 2026
- PlannedDedicated Livestock Export Terminal at Berbera Port — proposed to the CouncilOctober 2026
Related news
Priority 03
Inclusive Governance
Upholding democratic values, human rights and administrative transparency.
Somaliland has held successive presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with regular elections since 2003. The November 2024 presidential election marked the sixth peaceful transfer of power. A bicameral Parliament — the House of Representatives and the House of Elders (Guurti) — works alongside an independent judiciary.
Key points
- Sixth peaceful transfer of power, November 2024
- Bicameral Parliament: House of Representatives and House of Elders
- Regular democratic elections since 2003
Milestones
- DonePresidential election — sixth peaceful transfer of powerNovember 2024
- DoneInauguration of President Irro and Vice President Ali Aw Abdi12 December 2024
- In progressDraft Somaliland Custodial Corps Law — second reading in CouncilOctober 2026
- In progressDiplomatic Missions Bill before the House of EldersOctober 2026
- PlannedDiplomatic protocol guidelines for senior officials travelling abroadOctober 2026
Related news
Priority 04
Social Cohesion
Promoting unity across regions, clans and communities.
From the nationwide 18 May National Day celebrations to peacebuilding with traditional leaders in eastern Sanaag, the Government works to strengthen unity, coexistence and social services in every region, and to engage the diaspora as partners in national development.
Key points
- 18 May National Day celebrated peacefully across every region
- Peacebuilding with traditional leaders in eastern Sanaag
- Diaspora Conference 2026: from contribution to partnership
Milestones
- DoneNationwide 18 May National Day celebrationsMay 2026
- DoneSomaliland Diaspora Conference declarationAugust 2026
- In progressPeacebuilding and expanded social services in eastern SanaagOngoing
Related news
Priority 05
Security and Stability
Maintaining Somaliland’s record as a beacon of peace in the Horn of Africa.
Security institutions report a stable environment with no significant threats. Somaliland contributes to counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Gulf of Aden, and treats the management of its airspace as a matter of national sovereignty.
Key points
- Stable security environment reported to the Council, October 2026
- Maritime security coordination for the Gulf of Aden
- Ebola preparedness committee activated; no cases reported
Milestones
- DoneSomaliland Maritime Security Coordination Meeting communiquéApril 2026
- DoneEbola prevention and preparedness measures in placeOctober 2026
- In progressMeasures to safeguard the sovereign management of Somaliland’s airspaceOctober 2026
- In progressDraft Custodial Corps Law, required by Article 124 of the ConstitutionOctober 2026
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