Foreign Policy

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Questions (265)

Barry Ward

Question:

265. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. [1275/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in line with its constitution and the Charters of the United Nations and of the African Union. In common with our EU partners, the UN and the African Union, we consider Somaliland to be a region of Somalia, with special autonomous status.

The Government believes that a permanent solution to the status of Somaliland should be reached through negotiations between the authorities of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia. We would not seek to influence the outcome of any such process, other than to state that it must be acceptable to both parties. Ireland’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia, based in Kenya, are monitoring developments in Somalia closely, including through cooperation with the EU Delegation in Mogadishu.

Ireland has provided consistent humanitarian and development support to the people of Somalia through our international development programme, Irish Aid. We have worked with partners to assist Somalia in dealing with the combined impact of conflict, climate change and significant development challenges. Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to promote stability, humanitarian access, democratic governance, and conflict prevention in Somalia and the wider region.