MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly session.
The high-level meetings began September 23 in New York, though the General Assembly officially opened on September 9.
Diplomatic sources confirmed President Mohamud will deliver a speech—his second address to the Assembly since returning to power in 2022.
This year’s theme is: “Joining forces for the greater good: 80 years and beyond of peace, progress, and human rights.”
All 193 UN member states participate in the Assembly, where each nation holds an equal vote on global policy matters.
President Mohamud’s trip comes amid renewed pressure in Washington to recognize Somaliland as an independent country, despite U.S. policy on Somali unity.
The United States has repeatedly said it supports Somalia’s territorial integrity and opposes recognition of Somaliland as a separate nation.
However, growing lobbying efforts are challenging that position, especially with new pressure from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and allies.
A senior official said the UAE is driving the recognition campaign, actively funding political influence operations in Washington and European capitals.
The UAE reportedly hired FGS Global, a top lobbying firm, to sway U.S. policymakers and shape international media narratives around Somaliland.
Records show Abu Dhabi paid FGS nearly $2.6 million in six months as the annual lobbying budget may reach $5 million.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and has long sought recognition from the U.S. and other major global powers without success.
Because it lacks formal diplomatic ties, Somaliland relies heavily on private lobbying firms to reach officials and global decision-making circles.
The UAE’s support has helped Somaliland appear more frequently in Washington policy discussions, insiders familiar with the matter have confirmed.
Still, experts say changing U.S. policy would require significant diplomatic shifts, regardless of the scale of Somaliland’s lobbying campaign.
Until then, Somalia’s federal government remains firmly opposed to any move by foreign nations to recognize Somaliland as sovereign.
