HARGEISA – President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”, has announced that Somaliland has officially submitted recognition requests to 195 countries that are either members or observers of the United Nations. The declaration was made as part of celebrations marking the 34th anniversary of Somaliland’s declaration of independence from Somalia.

Speaking at a ceremony commemorating Somaliland’s Independence Day on 18 May 2025, President Irro stated that the letters were delivered to heads of state, prime ministers, monarchs, emirs, and global leaders around the world.

“In honor of the National Day of Somaliland, I have sent formal recognition requests to the leadership of 195 countries, all of which are members or observers of the United Nations,” the president declared. “The letters were delivered yesterday.”

This move comes as part of Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to secure international recognition, 34 years after it declared itself an independent republic following the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991. Despite having its own functioning adminstration, currency, and security institutions, Somaliland has yet to be formally recognized by any UN member state.