Somaliland: President Irro Pledges an Intense Quest for Recognition

Together we can build a beautiful, resilient Somaliland with a realistic hope" President Irro

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Somaliland president Irro poses with Guurti Elders

Somalilandsun (Hargeisa) Somaliland will diligently pursue the realization of a proposed US state department office in it’s capital Hargeisa.

This was pledged by President Abdirahman Abdilahi Irro during his maiden address to a full sitting of the House of Elders.

The House of Elders also known as the Guurti, is the upper house of the Parliament of Somaliland. It has 82 members, representing traditional leaders.

During the address President Irro emphasized on the important part played by the elders in fostering the peaceful co-existence enjoyed in Somaliland this past three decades.

In the bicameral Somaliland parliament the 82 member Guurti is the upper chamber with the 82 member House of representatives is the lower one

Below is a translation of the original Somali language address

“Bismillah Rahman Rahim:

The chairman of the Senate, elder Haji Saleeban, the members of the Senate, ministers of the government and the various officials in general, Assalamu Alaikum Wa rahmatullah.

President Irro makes his maiden address to Guurti the Somaliland house of elders

It is a great pleasure for me that today the Senate, the First Assembly of the Nation, is gathered here, I hope that it will be a permanent meeting, so that we can monitor the situation of the Nation, and ask each other about the steps to build the future of our nation in the Republic.

My brothers and sisters; Our National Assemblies have an important role in the process of democracy and governance in our country. Therefore, it is our duty as a government, to give you a role in the design of the positive change that we want to guide this nation.

Through it’s leadership and wisdom the Guurti of which I am an honorary member, played a vital role in building the foundation of our government, strengthening our values and culture, and securing our security.

The important work that the elders have accomplished has gained them a lot of trust from the nation, and the special role given by our constitution, highlights the great importance of the cooperation of the different departments of the government, to strengthen the system of government, and to fulfill the aspirations of the citizens.

I would like this example to be the one that would accelerate that cooperation, and development of our country and people, which is solely tour duty.

It should be an outcome that paves the way for national unity and an example set for the whole of our nation, and neighbours due to a discernible effectiveness as well as a precursor to relations with foreign countries.

I am mentioning Ethiopia, which is a long-standing friend, and a friend that we have not missed in terms of economic development, strengthening of security, our social stability, and our relationship with Africa.

It is our duty to improve that relationship and bring it to the highest level for the benefit of our two countries.

I also mention our relationship with the United States and other countries that are of special interest to us. We applaud the American legislators and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament who are calling for the US to open a diplomatic office in Somaliland. We will go out of our way to strengthen that relationship.

We have good relations with many other governments, and I hope that they will bear fruit.

In the country, we have started inspections related to our different forces in order to reform the security and defense institutions of the country. On the other hand, we are continuing the efforts to stabilize the eastern part of Somaliland, which is going well, and soon, as we have discussed with the Senate, we will independently appoint a committee responsible for peace issues.

Somaliland Guurti speaker Elder Haji Suleiman invites president Irro to the house
Somaliland Guurti speaker Elder Haji Suleiman invites president Irro to the house

Although there is no immediate danger that requires immediate assistance, we must be more vigilant, so that we can ensure that this nation continues to be a beacon of peace and democracy in the Horn of Africa region.

My brothers and sisters;

Let’s put aside our personal ambitions and the interests below nationalism, and unite the mission and the general vision of our nation, as a government we will work on that.

Together we can build a beautiful, resilient Somaliland with a realistic hope.

May Allah help us in her faith.

Thank you