President Donald Trump is considering US Somaliland recognition, a move championed by Senator Ted Cruz to counter China, secure a new military base, and combat terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
White House Considers Somaliland’s Independence
President Donald Trump confirmed on August 8 that his administration is actively reviewing the possibility of formally recognizing the breakaway state. “We’re looking into that right now,” Trump stated in the Oval Office, later adding, “We’re working on that right now, Somaliland.“
Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, expressed strong confidence in the move. “There is a very real opportunity that President Trump will recognize Somaliland during this administration,” Cruz said, framing it as part of a “new era of clarity in American national security.“
Proposed US Military Base in Somaliland
Somaliland’s government has offered the U.S. an air and sea base at its port of Berbera, strategically located near the entrance to the Red Sea. The site includes one of Africa’s five longest runways, presenting an opportunity for a combined naval and air force presence.
This offer is contingent on the United States granting formal diplomatic recognition.
The potential base offers an alternative to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, the largest U.S. military installation in Africa, where security concerns have grown due to nearby Chinese military facilities. A significant portion of global trade, thirty percent of the world’s container ship traffic, passes through Somaliland’s waters.
Countering China in Horn of Africa
Proponents argue that recognizing Somaliland would serve as a critical bulwark against regional rivals. Senator Cruz stated that Somaliland “is committed to helping us counter efforts by China to undermine the safety and prosperity of Americans.”
The port at Berbera is a strategic asset that both Russia and China have reportedly attempted to acquire.
In addition to military positioning, Somaliland is also offering the United States access to its reserves of rare earth minerals, including lithium and silicon quartz. The growing influence of both China and Turkey in the region has reportedly fueled dissatisfaction in Washington with the long-standing “one Somalia” policy.
US Somaliland Recognition and One Somalia Policy Debate
The current official U.S. position is the “one Somalia” policy, which recognizes the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, including the territory of Somaliland, which broke away in 1991. The U.S. has described Somalia as a terrorist safe haven, and U.S.
Africa Command has increased airstrikes against ISIS and al-Shabab.
Despite the White House’s interest, the State Department maintains the status quo. A spokesperson stated, “The United States recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which includes the territory of Somaliland.
The State Department is not in active discussions with Somaliland’s representatives about a deal to recognize Somaliland as a state.”
Next Steps for US-Somaliland Partnership
Senator Cruz has pledged to continue advocating for the partnership through his role on the Africa Subcommittee in the Senate. He described Somaliland as a “Muslim country, in a very dangerous part of Africa, showing real courage.“
Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, believes recognition is inevitable. “It’s a matter of time. Not if, but when,” he said on May 30, adding that recognition is “on the horizon.” President Abdullahi is expected to visit Washington D.C. soon to further discussions.
