A new article published by Foreign Policy has reignited debate over whether the United States should recognize Somaliland, arguing that Washington’s strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden could make Somaliland an increasingly valuable partner.
The commentary, written by Middle East and Africa analyst Steven A. Cook, contends that Somaliland’s geographic position, political stability, and willingness to cooperate with the United States provide compelling reasons for Washington to reassess its long-standing policy of non-recognition.
According to the article, Somaliland’s most significant asset is its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The region has gained renewed geopolitical importance amid ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and rising tensions involving Iran and its regional allies.
Cook highlights the Port of Berbera and its nearby airport as key strategic assets.
He argues that the combination of a deep-water port, air infrastructure, and proximity to critical shipping lanes could offer the United States a valuable platform for monitoring developments in Yemen, safeguarding maritime trade routes, and countering regional security threats.
The article suggests that Somaliland has actively sought to position itself as a strategic partner of the United States.
Somaliland officials have publicly expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Washington in areas including security, trade, investment, energy, and mineral development.
Foreign Policy also notes Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords and strengthening ties with Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.
The article argues that these relationships align Somaliland with broader geopolitical realignments taking place across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
Another factor highlighted in the article is Somaliland’s political system.
Cook points to the peaceful transfer of power following the November 2024 presidential election, which brought President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” to office, as evidence of a functioning democratic process uncommon in many parts of the region.
However, the article acknowledges that Somaliland faces challenges of its own.
It cites concerns over restrictions on some civil liberties and ongoing political and clan-related disputes in eastern regions, where some communities maintain closer ties with Mogadishu.
Cook warns that unresolved tensions could create future security and governance challenges.
The article argues that the security environment in the Red Sea has increased Somaliland’s strategic relevance. As Houthi attacks continue to threaten international shipping, Washington and its allies have intensified efforts to secure maritime routes and maintain freedom of navigation.
According to Cook, Somaliland’s location could help the United States improve surveillance and response capabilities related to threats emanating from Yemen and the wider Red Sea region.
Berbera’s expanding infrastructure is presented as a potential asset for future security cooperation.
At the same time, the article recognizes that formal U.S. recognition of Somaliland would face significant diplomatic obstacles.
Countries including Türkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—all important U.S. partners—have consistently supported Somalia’s territorial integrity and would likely oppose any move perceived as undermining Somalia’s unity.
The most sensitive issue remains the potential impact on U.S.-Somalia relations. Somalia’s federal government continues to maintain that Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory and insists that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.
Any recognition of Somaliland by Washington could therefore trigger a major diplomatic dispute with Mogadishu and potentially affect existing U.S.-Somalia cooperation on security and counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
The article also notes that some Somaliland voices caution against reducing relations with Washington solely to military cooperation.
Many advocate for a broader partnership based on investment, trade, infrastructure development, education, natural resources, and long-term economic engagement.
Cook ultimately argues that U.S. policymakers face a strategic question: whether formal recognition should come first, or whether Washington can deepen its engagement with Somaliland through expanded political, economic, and security cooperation without immediately taking the politically sensitive step of recognition.
While the article clearly leans toward recognition, it acknowledges that a gradual approach could allow the United States to strengthen ties with Somaliland while avoiding an immediate diplomatic confrontation with Somalia and regional allies.
If the United States were to recognize Somaliland, it would represent one of the most significant diplomatic developments in the Horn of Africa in decades.
Such a move could encourage other countries to reconsider their positions, potentially opening new opportunities for Somaliland in investment, trade, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
At the same time, it could also provoke strong opposition from Somalia and generate wider regional diplomatic tensions, making the issue one of the most consequential geopolitical questions currently facing the Horn of Africa.