U.S. interest in the main port of Somaliland is nothing new.
During the Cold War, the United States established a military base in Berbera, recognising its strategic importance.
The last time Somaliland welcomed an American visit of this magnitude was in February 2008 when former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, visited Hargeisa and met with then-President Daahir Riyale Kaahin.
After leaving office, Frazer admitted, "One of my regrets as Assistant Secretary was that I did not push hard enough for us to recognise Somaliland."
China in Africa: Somaliland Bucks the Trend
Meanwhile, much of the African continent is rapidly becoming a battleground for Chinese influence, with China investing millions in debt-driven projects across the region, including in the Horn of Africa.
However, Somaliland has firmly rejected Chinese overtures, opting instead to establish diplomatic ties with Taiwan to protect its democratic governance and avoid Beijing’s debt traps.
In 2022, the U.S. Senate, led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch, amended the National Defense Authorisation Act to include Somaliland.
This move aimed to enhance security cooperation, laying the groundwork for stronger diplomatic and economic ties, as well as the potential establishment of a U.S. military base in Berbera.
U.S. GOP Support Well Known
Further solidifying this momentum, Project 2025, a strategic roadmap prepared by the Heritage Foundation and more than 100 conservative organisations, explicitly mentioned Somaliland as a key ally.
Notably, the Foundation named only two African countries in its Sub-Saharan Africa section: the Republic of Somaliland and Djibouti.
The document proposed "the recognition of Somaliland statehood as a hedge against the United States’ deteriorating position in Djibouti."
U.S. Diplomatic Engagement Building Momentum
U.S. engagement, Ambassador Richard H. Riley, also addressed the inauguration of Somaliland’s newly elected President, Abdirahman Irro.
H.E. Riley praised Somaliland’s democratic maturity and regional stability, stating, “The people of Somaliland have set an example of democracy not only for this region but for Africa and the world. We are proud to be your friends and partners for the future".
His remarks underscored Washington’s deepening interest in Somaliland’s strategic partnership.
Meanwhile, Congressman Scott Perry proposed legislation to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state: a bill currently under review by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Congressman John Moolenaar, chairman of the House China Committee, also urged the U.S. to establish a diplomatic office in Hargeisa to counter China’s expanding influence in the region.
Triangular Diplomacy: U.S.-Somaliland-UAE
For his part, President Abdirahman Irro has welcomed these developments.
Speaking at the World Government Summit, he expressed optimism that the United States will be the first country to recognise Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Even early taking office, Irro met with U.S. Ambassador Richard H. Riley, accompanied by AFRICOM commanders, signaling Somaliland’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with the United States.
Somaliland: A Strategic Partner for the U.S.
Here are four primary factors motivating the world’s leading superpower to seriously consider recognising Somaliland in exchange for a military base and stronger bilateral ties:
1. Geographical Strategic Position:
Somaliland’s strategic location along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, makes it a focal point of global geopolitical interest.
This presents a unique opportunity for the United States to strengthen regional stability amidst the growing influence of anti-U.S. entities in the region, such as China, Iran, and Iran’s Houthi militia.
2. Security Cooperation and Counterterrorism Efforts:
As a reliable ally, Somaliland can collaborate with the U.S. on intelligence sharing and operations to combat terrorism and piracy in the Horn of Africa, including the Red Sea.
Notably, Somaliland allocates 40% of its national budget to security, enabling it to effectively address these threats despite lacking international recognition. This strong commitment to stability makes Somaliland a crucial partner in maintaining peace and security in the region
3. Democratic Governance and Stability:
Somaliland has established a functioning democratic government with successive peaceful transitions of power and a strong commitment to the rule of law.
This stands in stark contrast to neighboring Somalia, with ongoing instability and governance challenges.
Given President Trump’s emphasis on democracy and strong governance, Somaliland emerges as a natural partner for the United States.
4. Resource Potential:
Beyond its strategic location, Somaliland possesses vast untapped natural resources, including oil, gas, and high-quality minerals.
These resources could serve as an alternative supply chain for U.S. industries, reducing dependence on China and other emerging supply routes via Ukraine and the DRC.
Domino Effect: A Regional Fallout?
President Trump’s recognition of Somaliland would not violate international law or Somalia’s territorial integrity, as Somaliland is not a secessionist movement.
The territory gained full independence from the United Kingdom on 26 June, 1960, and never formally transferred its sovereignty to another state.
The proposed union with Somalia was never ratified; a fact acknowledged by the African Union in 2005.
Recognising Somaliland would not open a "Pandora’s Box" but rather uphold justice, reward democratic governance, and enhance stability in a volatile region.
Failure of Somalia: U.S. Foreign Policy Ought to Do Better
The people of Somaliland, numbering over 6.2 million, are eager to see a bold and forward-thinking foreign policy from the United States—one that moves away from the failed “One Somalia” policy.
The previous U.S. approach neither advanced American strategic interests nor acknowledged Somaliland’s legitimate aspirations for sovereignty.
President Trump’s decision to recognise Somaliland would correct a historical injustice while securing a strong and reliable U.S. ally in the Horn of Africa.
Such a decision could even earn him the Nobel Peace Prize for resolving a long-standing international issue while strengthening America’s global position.
Trump Ought to Act Now
Somaliland’s strategic location, commitment to democracy, investment in security, and untapped economic potential make it an invaluable partner for the United States.
Recognising Somaliland would not only strengthen U.S. geopolitical interests but also promote regional stability and counter adversarial influences in the Horn of Africa.
As global powers compete for influence in the region, the time is ripe for the United States to take decisive action, solidifying its presence by formally recognising Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Op-Ed: The views of this author are independent of The Daily Euro Times and are not a representation of The Daily Euro Times as a publication.
Stay Up to Date With Similar Insights on The Daily Euro Times!
Triangular Diplomacy: Djibouti, the Houthis, and Somalia
Looking for a Better Life: African Migrants Under Houthi Trafficking
A New Partner: Al-Shabaab and the Houthis
