HARGEISA, Somaliland — Authorities in Somaliland have officially voiced their support for the recent U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The statement from the breakaway region in northern Somalia aligns the government with Washington’s broader efforts to dominate nations in the Americas.
Key Details from the Ministry’s Statement
In a press statement released on January 4, 2026, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation highlighted several core reasons for their support:
-
Restoration of Order: The government reaffirmed its “principled alignment” with the United States, supporting “calibrated international action” intended to restore constitutional order and democratic legitimacy in Venezuela.
-
Humanitarian Concerns: Somaliland officials expressed belief that U.S.-led engagement, coordinated with regional and multilateral partners, is a necessary step to alleviate humanitarian suffering and address security concerns.
-
Regional Security: The ministry noted that such international action could help counter transnational criminal networks and facilitate a peaceful, “Venezuelan-led transition” rooted in human rights and sovereignty.
Strategic Calculations and Potential Risks
This expression of support represents a significant departure from Somaliland’s traditional diplomatic focus on the Horn of Africa. By aligning itself with the United States on a major global event, Hargeisa appears to be pursuing a “recognition project” aimed at securing favor with Washington. This follows a period of intense diplomatic pressure for Somaliland after Israel became the first UN member to recognize it on December 26, 2025, a move that triggered broad international condemnation from the African Union, and the Arab League for violating Somalia’s territorial integrity. However, this latest maneuver carries substantial risks:
-
Deepening Isolation: While Israel hailed the U.S. operation, many major global powers including France, Russia, China, and the European Union, have condemned the capture of Maduro as a violation of international law.
-
Erosion of Sympathy: By supporting an action characterized by the UN Secretary-General as a “dangerous precedent,” Somaliland may further alienate nations that prioritize a rules-based international order.
-
Impact on Legitimacy: Rather than boosting its quest for statehood, critics suggest that backing the forced removal of a sitting president could portray Somaliland as a “rogue” actor, potentially losing the very international sympathy it needs for formal recognition.
Following the U.S. operation, Maduro is reportedly in New York and is expected to appear in court on alleged charges related to narcoterrorism.
