HARGEISA – Somaliland's long-standing quest for international recognition has taken a new step forward as President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Irro) prepares for an official visit to Washington, D.C. to seek broader support for the nation's sovereignty bid.

The upcoming visit follows growing calls from members of the U.S. Congress urging Washington to deepen engagement with Somaliland and consider its recognition. Analysts say the president is now in a stronger position to lobby policymakers, pointing to Somaliland’s record of stability, governance, and democratic elections in a region often marked by conflict.

Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has maintained its own government, currency, army, and institutions. Unlike many states in the Horn of Africa, it has built a reputation for peaceful transfers of power, functioning democracy, and relative stability, despite lacking formal recognition from the international community.

Successive governments in Hargeisa have actively worked to build diplomatic and economic ties abroad. Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, coupled with the development of Berbera Port and partnerships with international investors, has further strengthened its case for recognition.

President Irro’s trip to Washington is expected to focus on security cooperation, economic partnerships, and formal diplomatic engagement, while making the case for recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.

For many Somalilanders, international recognition remains the ultimate goal — a validation of three decades of self-governance and resilience. As global attention increasingly turns to the Horn of Africa, Hargeisa hopes this moment marks a turning point in its pursuit of legitimacy on the world stage.