Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as “Cirro”, has been actively pursuing international partnerships and investment opportunities to boost his country’s economy. In a series of high-level meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Cirro has held talks with his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, as well as Eric Trump, the son of the former US President.
The discussions with Herzog focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Somaliland and Israel, which became the first country to recognise Somaliland’s independence from Somalia in December 2022 – a move that drew criticism from Somalia, the African Union, and other nations.
In a separate meeting, Cirro shared images on social media of his closed-door event with Eric Trump, which was reportedly organised by the Greek House Davos programme, a private forum for discreet high-level gatherings. Abdirahman Bayle, an advisor to Somaliland’s leader, told the BBC that Eric Trump had “expressed interest in Somaliland and the opportunities it offers”.
“Among the issues we discussed were global investors in the livestock and agriculture sectors, so that we can industrialise these sectors and export to the rest of the world,” Bayle added. Livestock is Somaliland’s main export, primarily to Saudi Arabia.
Somaliland, which has governed itself since breaking away from Somalia in 1991, has been actively seeking international recognition and foreign investment to bolster its economy. The country’s strategic location on major Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes has made it an attractive proposition for potential investors.
During the talks, Cirro emphasised Somaliland’s openness to investment, highlighting the deep-water port of Berbera as a potential logistics hub for trade and energy infrastructure. Bayle told the BBC that Somaliland’s approach had shifted, saying: “For the first time, we are not asking the world for aid. We are offering our resources.”
Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, described the talks as positive, posting on Twitter: “I was pleased to meet here in Davos with the President of Somaliland. I welcome the establishment of diplomatic relations between us and look forward to deepening cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples.”
The growing relationship between Somaliland and Israel has been viewed with concern by Somalia, the African Union, and other countries, who argue that it violates Somalia’s territorial integrity. However, the US has defended Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, accusing its critics of double standards.
As Somaliland continues to push for international recognition and investment, its leaders are positioning the country as a strategic partner in the region, offering its resources and infrastructure to attract global investors and strengthen its economy.