President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro addresses The African Debates in the UAE, highlighting Somaliland's democracy and Berbera Port's role as a strategic gateway into Africa.
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![Enlarged view of President Irro at The African Debates in UAE]()
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Abu Dhabi, UAE - The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, is currently leading a high-level visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he participated in The African Debates — a premier forum that has become one of the most important platforms for dialogue between the UAE and African nations. The event, held under the theme of fostering long-term partnerships, brought together government leaders, corporate executives, and thought leaders to shape the future of Africa–UAE relations.
President Irro delivered a significant address in which he positioned Somaliland not only as a stable democracy but also as a rising player in Africa’s economic and strategic landscape. In one of the most striking moments of the forum, the President reminded participants of Somaliland’s unique democratic journey: “I am not from Somalia, I am from Somaliland — a democratic country that, for the past 34 years, has consistently elected its leaders through free and fair elections. I am the only Somali president chosen through a genuine democratic process by his people.” His remarks received notable attention, particularly in a region where democratic credentials are rare.
Central to President Irro’s contribution was the emphasis on the Port of Berbera as a new gateway into the African continent. He explained that Berbera, strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, offers immense potential for global trade routes and regional connectivity. Sharing the stage with the Chief Executive Officer of DP World, the President underscored the importance of the partnership with the Emirati logistics company, which has invested in the modernization of Berbera Port — the largest foreign direct investment project ever made in Somaliland.
Beyond the modernization of the port, President Irro highlighted how DP World’s involvement in Somaliland is transforming the nation’s economic landscape. The development of the Berbera Economic Zone and the construction of the Berbera Corridor linking Somaliland to Ethiopia are not merely infrastructure projects, he noted, but critical arteries for regional integration and prosperity. According to the President, these projects will reduce trade bottlenecks, create new markets, and establish Somaliland as a hub where Africa meets the Gulf.
In his address, President Irro also reaffirmed Somaliland’s open and welcoming investment climate. “We are a nation committed to openness in business and investment. We welcome all who are interested in exploring opportunities, especially in agriculture, mining, the blue economy, renewable energy, and tourism. Somaliland is a country where investors will find both stability and opportunity,” he said, adding that the government’s policies are designed to encourage long-term partnerships that benefit both foreign investors and the people of Somaliland.
The President extended his gratitude to DP World for its vision and courage in undertaking major investments in Somaliland, a country that has long been overlooked by international financial institutions due to its lack of recognition. He stressed that such investments not only modernize Somaliland’s economy but also contribute to regional stability and cooperation.
President Irro took the opportunity to draw a clear line between Somaliland and Somalia, explaining to participants the historical, political, and governance differences between the two. Somaliland, he said, has demonstrated over three decades of peace, democratic elections, and institution-building, in stark contrast to the instability and governance challenges faced by Somalia. His remarks highlighted Somaliland’s aspiration to be recognized for its achievements rather than viewed through the lens of regional instability.
The African Debates Forum itself placed strong emphasis on new avenues of cooperation between the UAE and African nations. Discussions centered on renewable energy, infrastructure, digital innovation, food security, and climate change adaptation. These themes are particularly timely as the international community prepares for the upcoming global climate summit in Brazil. The forum’s goal, according to organizers, was not only to exchange ideas but to translate dialogue into actionable agreements, large-scale projects, and visible partnerships that will reshape Africa’s economic trajectory.
For Somaliland, President Irro’s participation at such a prominent platform represents more than diplomatic engagement. It is part of a broader strategy to secure international visibility, attract foreign investment, and underline its democratic legitimacy. By presenting Somaliland as both a strategic trade partner and a beacon of democracy in the Horn of Africa, President Irro underscored the country’s determination to play a bigger role in shaping regional and global economic conversations.
His message was clear: Somaliland is ready for business, ready for partnership, and ready to be recognized as a nation that has successfully combined stability, democracy, and ambition in a part of the world too often associated with crisis.
