President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro meets with senior military officers at the Somaliland Army's General Command Headquarters to discuss defense priorities and modernization plans. © Buraopost
In a move underscoring his administration’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s defense institutions, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, paid a working visit to the Headquarters of the Somaliland National Army in Hargeisa on Tuesday. The visit, his first to the General Command since taking office, highlighted both the government’s recognition of the army’s role in safeguarding national stability and its pledge to invest in modernizing military infrastructure, equipment, and welfare programs.
The President was received by the Chief of the Somaliland National Army, Major General Nimcaan Yusuf Osman, popularly known as Gaaxnuug, alongside senior officers from across the armed forces. In a closed-door briefing, the President was updated on the current operational capacity of the army, ongoing challenges, and plans aimed at enhancing the force’s effectiveness. The exchange was described by both sides as frank and constructive, with President Irro reaffirming his government’s unwavering support for the men and women who dedicate their lives to the defense of the Republic.
During the tour, President Irro emphasized the importance of ensuring the National Army remains not only well-equipped but also well-trained and motivated. He told commanders that his administration intends to institutionalize regular high-level meetings with the military leadership to keep the chain of command transparent and responsive. “The Army is not just a symbol of sovereignty; it is the very backbone of Somaliland’s statehood and security,” President Irro declared. “As your Commander-in-Chief, I will make sure our forces remain ready to protect our borders, defend our people, and safeguard our democratic institutions.”
The President also toured several units within the General Headquarters, meeting soldiers at different ranks, listening to their experiences, and assuring them that the government acknowledges both their sacrifices and their needs. One of the major announcements during the visit was the President’s commitment to initiate the construction of new housing projects for military families, fulfilling a campaign promise made during last year’s presidential elections. According to officials, the housing plan will target enlisted soldiers and junior officers, ensuring that those who serve the nation can also access dignified living conditions for their families. “The families of our soldiers are part of the national defense system,” President Irro said. “By providing proper housing and welfare, we are not just investing in individuals; we are securing the morale and resilience of the entire Army.”
In addition to housing, President Irro announced that upcoming promotions would be awarded to officers who have completed their years of service and proven their dedication to the force. This move was welcomed by many officers as a long-overdue recognition of their hard work. The President stressed that Somaliland’s Army must adapt to modern challenges, ranging from border defense to countering non-traditional threats such as organized crime and terrorism. To achieve this, he outlined a government plan to strengthen training programs both locally and abroad. Recently, several officers had returned from overseas training courses, and during the ceremony, President Irro personally awarded them certificates of recognition. He further pledged investment in modern equipment and technology to ensure Somaliland’s forces remain on par with contemporary defense requirements. The government, he said, is exploring partnerships with friendly nations and international organizations to secure training, logistics, and non-lethal equipment support.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized, has long relied on its disciplined army to preserve stability in the face of regional volatility. While neighboring Somalia struggles with insurgencies and political turmoil, Somaliland’s armed forces have been credited with keeping the country relatively secure, allowing democratic processes and economic development to take root. Local analysts view President Irro’s visit as both a morale booster and a signal of continuity. Dr. Mohamed Warsame, a political analyst in Hargeisa, told Buraopost: “This visit shows that the new administration understands the army’s centrality to Somaliland’s survival. It is also a public assurance that the government will not neglect the force in terms of welfare, training, and recognition.” Citizens who spoke to local media echoed similar sentiments, expressing pride in the military and support for the President’s initiatives. For many Somalilanders, the army is not just a defense institution but also a national symbol of unity.
At the end of his visit, President Irro presented certificates of achievement to officers who had successfully completed specialized training abroad, applauding their commitment and urging them to share their knowledge with colleagues at home. He also reiterated his appreciation to the entire Somaliland National Army for their vigilance and loyalty. “Your sacrifice is not unnoticed,” the President said. “The peace and security our people enjoy today is thanks to your discipline, your courage, and your loyalty to this nation.” He concluded his remarks by invoking a theme that resonates deeply with the people of Somaliland: the inseparability of statehood and defense. “Without a strong army,” he stated, “there is no sovereignty, no independence, and no lasting peace.”
Observers say the President’s commitments will be closely monitored by both the military and the public, especially regarding the promised housing schemes and promotions. Implementation will not only test the administration’s capacity but also serve as a measure of its credibility. Still, the visit itself has already sent a clear message: that Somaliland’s leadership sees defense as a top priority. In a country where state institutions have been painstakingly built over three decades, ensuring that the armed forces remain professional, motivated, and modernized is viewed as essential for the nation’s future.
As Somaliland continues to lobby for international recognition, the stability maintained by its armed forces remains one of its strongest arguments. The President’s visit to the National Army Headquarters thus reinforced both domestic confidence and the external narrative that Somaliland is a functioning, self-reliant state with the institutions to govern and defend itself. While much of the focus was on policy and promises, the visit also highlighted the human dimension of military service. Soldiers spoke candidly about their aspirations for better living conditions, access to education for their children, and healthcare support for their families. The President’s assurance that these needs would be addressed was met with visible relief. For younger recruits, the visit was particularly inspiring. Many saw the President’s presence as validation of their decision to serve, and several noted that direct interaction with the Commander-in-Chief gave them a renewed sense of pride and duty.
President Abdirahman Irro’s visit to the Somaliland National Army Headquarters was more than a ceremonial gesture. It was a deliberate demonstration of political will to support the armed forces, invest in their welfare, and prepare them for the evolving security landscape of the Horn of Africa. By pledging modernization, welfare reforms, and institutionalized dialogue, the President has set the tone for a military policy anchored in accountability and respect. For Somalilanders, who have long viewed their army as the bedrock of peace and national identity, this visit reaffirmed their faith in both the institution and the civilian leadership guiding it. Whether the promises materialize into concrete outcomes remains to be seen, but for now, the message is clear: Somaliland is committed to building a strong, modern army worthy of its people’s trust and its nation’s aspirations.
