Saturday August 16, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Chairman of the
Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, has
urged the Trump administration to formally recognize Somaliland as an
independent state.
In a letter dated August 14, 2025, and sent to President
Trump, Senator Cruz argued that Somaliland has become a critical security and
diplomatic partner for the United States, advancing U.S. 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. It has proposed hosting a U.S. military presence near the Red Sea along the Gulf of Aden and is open to critical minerals agreements that would support our supply chain resilience. The U.S.- Somaliland partnership is robust, and it is deepening,” the
letter stated.
Cruz also warned that Somaliland faces growing pressure from
adversaries, largely due to its role as a U.S. ally. He accused China of using
economic and diplomatic coercion to punish Somaliland for supporting Taiwan and
working to undermine its sovereignty.
“The government of Somalia has unfortunately played a role
in these efforts. In April 2025, the CCP arranged for Somalia to bar Taiwanese
passport holders from transiting into Somaliland, while Chinese support to
Somalia benefits anti-Somaliland groups seeking to erode its sovereignty,” the
senator wrote.
“I urge you to grant Somaliland formal recognition,” Cruz
concluded.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden,
welcomed the senator’s letter, expressing gratitude for his support.
“Speaking on behalf of the Republic of Somaliland, I
sincerely thank Senator Ted Cruz for his unwavering support for Somaliland’s
recognition. His deep understanding of our national identity and strategic
importance in security and economics reflects the value we bring to the world,”
the minister said.
The Somali government, however, strongly rejected Cruz’s
call. In a statement, Somalia’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., reiterated its
opposition to any move undermining the country’s territorial integrity.
“Terrorist groups gain opportunities when Somalia’s unity is
weakened. The international community must support Somali nationalism rather
than fueling political divisions. Anything legitimizing separation threatens
the peace, security, and future of the Somali people. Somalia will not
compromise on its territorial integrity and will resist any efforts to
undermine it,” the embassy said.
The embassy also highlighted ongoing cooperation with
Washington, noting that in 2025 alone, more than 20 successful joint operations
had been conducted between Somalia and the United States.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in
1991, does not permit Somali or regional state flags to be displayed in its
territory. However, no country has formally recognized its sovereignty.
