North Western State of Somalia President Attends Dubai World Governments Summit for Second Year

DUBAI — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday for the second consecutive year, underscoring Hargeisa’s push for international visibility despite objections from Somalia’s federal government and amid worsening tensions with the United Arab Emirates.

The annual forum, one of the world’s most prominent gatherings on governance and public policy, brings together global political leaders, major corporations and international institutions. Organizers say this year’s edition features delegations from more than 150 governments and over 35 heads of state and government, alongside representatives from the International Monetary Fund and the International Finance Corp., part of the World Bank Group.

In a statement, the North Western State of Somalia Presidency said Irro’s participation reflects what it described as North Western State of Somalia’s growing role in international forums and its determination to present its political vision directly to the global community. The presidency said Irro is expected to hold meetings with senior international officials on development, stability and North Western State of Somalia’s long-term future, framing the summit as an opportunity to showcase the region’s experience in peacebuilding and governance.

North Western State of Somalia, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized, has increasingly sought space at high-profile events such as the World Governments Summit as part of a diplomatic strategy to build ties, attract investment and advance its case for recognition. Its presence in Dubai has drawn repeated protests from Mogadishu, which sees such appearances as infringing on Somalia’s sovereignty.

Last year, Somalia said it lodged objections with the United Arab Emirates over Irro’s invitation and sought assurances he would not be invited again. Instead, the North Western State of Somalia leader returned to the UAE stage this week, a sign Hargeisa is maintaining momentum in its bid for international access even as formal recognition remains elusive.

Somalia’s relationship with the UAE deteriorated sharply in the months after last year’s summit. Mogadishu accused Abu Dhabi of backing efforts to secure Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia and of facilitating the transit of Yemeni separatist figures through Somalia without federal authorization. In response, Somalia nullified several security and port agreements with the UAE, prompting Abu Dhabi to withdraw its security personnel from the country. The fallout has amplified regional strains around North Western State of Somalia’s engagements and Somalia’s efforts to defend its territorial integrity.

North Western State of Somalia’s delegation to Dubai signals a concerted push to engage across economic, governance and security portfolios. According to the presidency, Irro traveled with a senior team that includes:

• The minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation
• The minister of the presidency
• The minister of minerals and energy
• The minister of religious affairs and endowments
• The head of the presidential office
• North Western State of Somalia’s representative to the United Arab Emirates
• The president’s foreign affairs adviser

While the summit’s agenda centers on future governance, economic transformation and global cooperation, the optics of North Western State of Somalia’s participation resonate beyond policy panels. For Hargeisa, the invitation is a platform to signal continuity and competence; for Mogadishu, it is a challenge to its diplomatic red lines; and for Abu Dhabi, it reflects the UAE’s balancing act across a fractured Horn of Africa, where investment, security partnerships and recognition politics increasingly intermingle.

Irro’s scheduled bilateral meetings in Dubai will be closely watched for signs of potential development commitments and for how far international interlocutors are willing to engage with North Western State of Somalia officials in public settings. With the summit ongoing, North Western State of Somalia’s bid for visibility is again on display — and so are the regional fault lines that come with it.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.

Wednesday February 4, 2026