Somaliland - US Relations
Despite growing advocacy for recognition within the U.S., the official policy of the United States remains its "one Somalia" stance, which does not recognize Somaliland's independence. Recognizing Somaliland and establishing a base would contravene the U.S.'s "one Somalia" policy, causing significant diplomatic fallout with Somalia's federal government in Mogadishu. However, recent geopolitical dynamics and diplomatic engagement indicate that a policy shift could be considered.
The US currently recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, not an independent Somaliland. However, recent bipartisan congressional efforts have pushed for increased engagement and support for Somaliland, highlighting its potential as a strategic partner in counterterrorism, regional security, and countering foreign influence. While the US government has not formally recognized Somaliland's independence, there is growing momentum for such a shift, with proponents arguing that it would be in the US national interest and would acknowledge Somaliland's stable, democratic governance.
Deeper U.S. engagement with or recognition of Somaliland could destabilize the region by undermining Somalia's federal government and potentially encouraging other secessionist movements. A policy shift risks neglecting Somalia, which remains reliant on international military assistance to combat al-Shabaab. It could also push Mogadishu closer to other partners, such as Turkey.
An area of geographical and cultural transition between Africa south of the Sahara and the Near East, the Horn of Africa, under friendly control, contributes to the security of Western sea and air communications and offers a strategic position for the defense of Western interests in the Red Sea and nearby African areas. The United States has a military interest in the Horn of Africa.
Internally, the Horn of Africa presents a picture of political fragmentation, ethnic and religious cleavages and marked economic backwardness. The conflicting aims and aspirations of Ethiopia and the Somalis are a major source of tension jeopardizing prospects for peaceful and orderly progress in the entire area.
The development of national consciousness among the Somalis was accompanied by demands for independence and political unification through the creation of a Greater Somaliland, uniting all the Somali people in one independent country. These aspirations have been partly achieved with the independence of former British Somaliland on June 26, 1960, and its subsequent union with the former Trust Territory of Somaliland when the latter became independent on July 1, 1960.
Historically, during Somaliland’s brief independence in June 1960, the U.S. acknowledged its independence with a congratulatory message from Secretary of State Herter—but stopped short of formal recognition. The independence of former British Somaliland on June 26, 1960, and its union with the former Trust Territory of Somaliland when the latter became independent on July 1, 1960, added to the international scene an extremely weak and impoverished country faced, in addition to the problems of resolving tribal rivalries, by major administrative problems involved in combining two formerly separate governmental mechanisms established by the British and the Italians.
Unlike the rest of Somalia, which has endured decades of civil war and insurgency, Somaliland has been largely peaceful and has held democratic elections. This stability offers the U.S. a reliable partner in an otherwise volatile region. A partnership could enhance U.S. efforts to counter terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability from its base in Somalia.
Somaliland has demonstrated its commitment to aligning with U.S. interests, including its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan and reported openness to a deal involving potential resettlement of Gazan refugees.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations have seen growing engagement with Somaliland, with increasing bipartisan support in the US Congress for deepening ties. There have been legislative proposals, such as the Somaliland Partnership Act (117th Congress) and the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act (119th Congress), which support increased cooperation with and potential recognition of Somaliland.
By 2020, some American politicians concluded that Somaliland could serve as a maritime gateway in East Africa for the United States and its allies; and counter Iran's presence in the Gulf of Aden and China's growing regional military presence. A United States security and defense partnership could bolster security and defense cooperation and capabilities between Somaliland and Taiwan. This could stabilize this semi-autonomous region of Somalia further as a democratic counterweight to anti-democratic forces in the greater Horn of Africa region. It could also impact the capacity of the United States to achieve policy objectives in Somalia, particularly to degrade and ultimately defeat the terrorist threat posed by Al-Shabaab, the Islamic State in Somalia (the Somalia-based Islamic State affiliate), and other terrorist groups operating in Somalia.
An improved diplomatic relationship with Somaliland could support United States policy focused on the Red Sea corridor, the Indo-Pacific region, and the Horn of Africa. This could improve cooperation on counterterrorism and intelligence sharing. It could also enable cooperation on counter-trafficking, including the trafficking of humans, wildlife, weapons, and illicit goods; and support trade and development.
On March 17, 2022 Mr. Risch (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, and Mr. Rounds) introduced S. 3861 "To require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress on the assistance provided to Somaliland and to conduct a feasibility study, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, on establishing a security partnership with Somaliland, without recognizing Somaliland as an independent state"; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
On 23 February 2023, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu led by Chargé d’Affaires Tim Trenkle visited Hargeisa to meet with Somaliland government officials, civil society representatives, and youth leaders to discuss security, prosperity, and democracy in the region. The delegation was received by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi. The Chargé d’Affaires reiterated the United States and international community’s call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Lascanood and condemned the tragic loss of life and violence. They also discussed efforts toward a consensus-based electoral process and the timely conduct of elections. The delegation also met with diverse political, civil society, and youth leaders on shared priorities, including democratic participation and inclusion. Members of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network and alumni of the YALI Regional Leadership Center shared how the initiative contributes to youth and community development in Somaliland.
The Somaliland Partnership Act was the basis for the historic language referencing Somaliland in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. The introduction of the Somaliland Partnership Act sparked serious conversations in Congress about the opportunities presented by greater U.S. engagement with Somaliland on matters of mutual interest - including advancing democracy, enhancing trade and investment in the Hom of Africa, and countering terrorism, piracy, and trafficking in the region. It also highlighted the challenges Somaliland faces as an unrecognized nation in a tumultuous, but important region. This legislation served as the foundation for ongoing discussions with both Congress and the Biden Administration about advancing the verbal commitments made during President Bihi’s visit to explore greater engagement between the U.S. and Somaliland. It was also the basis for similar proposals in the House of Representatives, which resulted in the first reference to Somaliland codified in U.S. law since it reasserted independence in 1991.
On December 12, 2024 Mr. Perry (for himself and Mr. Ogles) introduced H. R. 10402 "To recognize Somaliland of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a separate, independent country"; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs wotj mp firtjer action. With the start of a new Congress, on June 12, 2025 Mr. Perry (for himself, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Ogles, and Mr. Harrigan) introduced H.R.3992 "To recognize Somaliland of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a separate, independent country" which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Following the 2024 election, reports indicated that the Trump administration is considering closer ties with Somaliland, partly to counter Chinese influence in the Horn of Africa. While President Trump suggested his administration was "looking into" recognition in August 2025, the State Department later denied any active talks.
H.R. 3992 (IH) "Republic of Somaliland Independence Act" was introduced June 12, 2025 by Scott Perry (for himself, Thomas P. Tiffany (WI); Andrew Ogles (TN); Pat Harrigan (NC)), and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 3992 proposed that the U.S. President be authorized to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent country—asserting that Somalia’s territorial claims over Somaliland are “invalid and without merit.”
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro confirmed in late July 2025 that his government was in discussions with U.S. officials, including from the Department of Defense and the U.S. ambassador in Somalia. He stated that talks were ongoing and that he was "looking forward to that discussion bearing fruit in the future". President Irro also clarified that Somaliland's offer of security and economic cooperation, which includes access to a military base and critical minerals, is not contingent on formal recognition from the US.
US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, sent a letter to President Trump on 14 August 2025 urging the administration to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state. “Somaliland has emerged as a critical security and diplomatic partner for the United States, helping America advance our national security interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond. It is strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, putting it near one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. It possesses capable armed forces and contributes to regional counterterrorism and piracy operations. It has enabled the opening of a Taiwanese Representative Office in the capital of Hargeisa, sought to strengthen ties with Israel, and voiced support for the Abraham Accords…
“Somaliland faces mounting pressure from adversaries, due in no small part to its role as a partner for the United States and our allies. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using economic and diplomatic coercion to punish Somaliland for its support for Taiwan, as well as to undermine that support... “Despite these threats, Somaliland remains committed to forging closer ties with the U.S., and is actively engaged in enhancing military cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and economy and trade partnerships. To do so to the greatest effect, and the greatest benefit to American national security interests, it requires the status of a state. I urge you to grant it that recognition.”
A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated on August 28, 2025, that the U.S. is not in "active discussions" with Somaliland's representatives regarding a deal for recognition or a base. The State Department continues to affirm its support for the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which includes Somaliland. These remarks followed President Donald Trump's comments on August 8, in which he said his administration was "looking into" recognizing Somaliland, sparking significant speculation.
On 03 September 2025 Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on China and Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to distinguish Somaliland from the Federal Republic of Somalia in its travel advisory report. In the letter, the lawmakers find that distinguishing Somaliland would allow the U.S. to more effectively counter the CCP's malign influence in the Horn of Africa and support greater international recognition of Taiwan.
"Strengthening cooperation with Somaliland is a productive step in advancing America's security and diplomatic objectives in the Horn of Africa," said Chairman Moolenaar. "From combatting piracy to hosting a Taiwanese Representative Office in its capital, Somaliland has shown its commitment to the United States as both a friend and security partner. Establishing a more official U.S. presence in Somaliland would give the United States an important foothold to monitor and counter Beijing's ever-growing presence in the region that ultimately undermines the safety of Americans at home."
"The Trump Administration and Secretary Rubio have already made significant strides in strengthening the U.S.-Somaliland relationship – the United States can continue to nurture this partnership with a separate and more accurate travel advisory, which accords with the stable situation on the ground," said Co-Chair Smith.
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