By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 19 May 2026 President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’ on Monday launched the Somaliland Recognition and Independence Institute in Hargeisa to document Somaliland’s history and advance the territory’s recognition campaign.
Irro said the institute would be chaired by Gavin Williamson, a British politician known for supporting Somaliland’s recognition efforts.
The president said the institute would play an important role in promoting research, documenting Somaliland's history, and advancing the region's efforts for international recognition.
“Today we launched the Somaliland Recognition and Independence Institute here in Hargeisa,” Irro said during the inauguration ceremony.
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Irro also said the institute was officially registered in the United Kingdom and had support from more than 2,000 members from different countries who would contribute to its activities and development.
“More than two thousand friends of Somaliland will help support this institute. It will document Somaliland’s history, Somaliland’s struggle, and the legal arguments related to Somaliland’s recognition,” the president said.
The launch comes as Somaliland continues diplomatic efforts aimed at securing international recognition, although it remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia.