United States – The United States has reiterated that its policy toward Somalia remains unchanged, despite increasing calls from Republican lawmakers to extend formal recognition to Somaliland.
A senior State Department official said that Washington “continues to stand by its longstanding position on Somalia,” noting that while the matter of Somaliland is “regularly reviewed,” no shift in policy is on the table at present.
The clarification follows renewed pressure from U.S. lawmakers, most notably Senator Ted Cruz, who has urged the administration of former President Donald Trump to recognize Somaliland. Cruz, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Africa, described the breakaway territory as a “strategic partner” with significant value for both security and diplomatic engagement.
Cruz cited Somaliland’s position at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden—one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes—as a critical factor for U.S. and allied interests. He also accused China of “retaliating” against the region over its growing ties with Taiwan, underscoring the geopolitical implications of U.S. policy in the Horn of Africa.
Washington has long recognized the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, viewing Somaliland as part of the federal republic despite its self-declared independence since 1991. While the region maintains relative stability and has established its own government institutions, international recognition has remained elusive.
The State Department’s reaffirmation signals continuity in U.S. policy, even as Somaliland continues to court global powers in search of formal acknowledgment. For Somalia’s federal government, the U.S. position is seen as a vital endorsement of its unity at a time of internal and regional challenges.
