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HomeH.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”

Office of the President · Madaxweynaha

H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”

6th President of the Republic of Somaliland. A statesman of distinguished public service and unwavering commitment to the cause of Somaliland’s sovereignty, elected with a historic mandate in November 2024.

Inaugurated

12 December 2024

Political party

Waddani

Born

24 April 1956, Hargeisa

H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”

Biography

His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as “Irro”, is a statesman of distinguished public service and unwavering commitment to the cause of Somaliland’s sovereignty.

Elected with a historic mandate in November 2024, he assumed the role of President following a peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of Somaliland’s democratic resilience.

Dr. Irro is a former Speaker of the House of Representatives (2005–2017) and co-founder of the Waddani political party, through which he led robust parliamentary and civil transitions. He is recognised for his ability to mobilise both national and diaspora support behind Somaliland’s recognition campaign.

He is known for his legislative expertise and calm, consensus-based politics, and is respected across generational and regional divides for his commitment to democratic governance and national unity.

At a glance

Elected

November 2024

Historic mandate, peaceful transfer of power

Previously

Speaker of the House

2005–2017

Party

Waddani

Co-founder, 2012

Career

Career timeline

From Speaker of Parliament to the sixth President of the Republic.

  • December 2024 – present6th President of the Republic of SomalilandLeading the nation with a historic mandate focused on international recognition, economic transformation, inclusive governance, social cohesion and security.
  • November 2024Elected PresidentElected with a historic mandate, followed by a peaceful transfer of power on 12 December 2024.
  • 2012 – 2024Co-founder of the Waddani partyCo-founded the Waddani political party, leading robust parliamentary and civil transitions while mobilising national and diaspora support.
  • 2005 – 2017Speaker of the House of RepresentativesServed as Speaker of Parliament, demonstrating legislative expertise and consensus-based leadership across regional and generational divides.
  • 24 April 1956Born in HargeisaHargeisa, Somaliland.

Mudnaanta · Priorities

Five pillars of the national agenda

Explore the programme

01

International Recognition

Advancing Somaliland’s bid for recognition through robust diplomacy and soft power.

02

Economic Transformation

Strengthening trade ties, investment flows and sustainable development.

03

Inclusive Governance

Upholding democratic values, human rights and administrative transparency.

04

Social Cohesion

Promoting unity across regions, clans and communities.

05

Security and Stability

Maintaining Somaliland’s record as a beacon of peace in the Horn of Africa.

A historic first

The first former Speaker of Parliament to become President of the Republic of Somaliland.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, 2005–2017 · President since 12 December 2024

Presidents of the Republic

  1. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”2024–present
  2. Muse Bihi Abdi2017–2024
  3. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud “Silanyo”2010–2017
  4. Dahir Riyale Kahin2002–2010
  5. Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal1993–2002
  6. Abdirahman Ahmed Ali “Tuur”1991–1993

The Vice President

Media kit

Official portrait, emblem and usage rules — print and web resolutions, under the Office’s open licence.