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Araweelo News Network | Associated Online Agencie
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HARGEISA (ANN)– A prominent Somaliland politician has criticized President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) over remarks made during a meeting of his party’s Central Committee, accusing the president of misrepresenting his position on Somaliland’s quest for international recognition.
The politician said President Cirro claimed that he had previously stated that Somaliland had received recognition from both Guinea and Ethiopia. He strongly rejected the allegation, insisting that he had never claimed to have secured formal recognition from any foreign government.
“I have never said that I obtained recognition from any country,” he said, adding that the president’s remarks were inaccurate and misleading.
Addressing an earlier controversy surrounding reports of potential recognition for Somaliland, he recalled a speech he delivered at the Presidential Palace in which he urged caution and careful consideration of developments relating to Somaliland’s diplomatic status.
“We need recognition, but it appeared to come from an unexpected direction,” he said at the time. “Recognition remains Somaliland’s top national priority. However, I believe the matter should be examined from all angles and handled wisely to avoid creating divisions among our people.”
He alleged that state media and the presidency selectively edited his remarks and removed important context from the speech. He also claimed that comments delivered at the same event by former Somaliland President Dahir Rayale Kahin were omitted from official coverage.
The politician further raised concerns about President Cirro’s handling of foreign affairs, particularly regarding what he described as secret diplomatic engagements.
According to the statement, President Cirro recently acknowledged having previously visited Israel without public disclosure, making him, in the politician’s view, the first Somaliland president to undertake a foreign visit in secrecy and later reveal it publicly.
Questions were also raised about the president’s most recent official trip abroad. The politician noted that President Cirro spent time in the United Arab Emirates, while members of his ministerial delegation were reportedly in Ethiopia during the same period.
He questioned the reasons behind the secrecy and apparent separation of the delegation’s movements, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Somaliland’s foreign relations.
The remarks add to the ongoing debate over Somaliland’s diplomatic strategy and its long-standing pursuit of international recognition.