Hargeisa (KAAB TV) – Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Aden Bakal, has expressed growing optimism that the United States may soon formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. In an exclusive interview with the national broadcaster, Minister Bakal stated that diplomatic ties between Hargeisa and Washington have significantly strengthened in recent months, aligning the strategic interests of both sides.
Speaking on what he described as a turning point in Somaliland’s decades-long quest for international recognition, Minister Bakal said, “We have come a long way, but now the light of recognition is visible to us. We are very close. It will take a little more time, I know, but my instincts and the facts on the ground suggest that recognition is coming soon.”
Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, has since functioned as a de facto state with its own democratic institutions, military, and currency. Despite this, international recognition has remained elusive for over three decades.
Bakal highlighted that substantial diplomatic efforts are currently underway in the United States, with strong lobbying campaigns aimed at U.S. lawmakers. “We have directed our efforts toward members of the U.S. Congress, as they play a crucial role in shaping foreign policy and determining the direction of international engagement,” he said.
He emphasized that Somaliland is now moving away from its past approach of open political declarations and is instead focusing on quiet diplomacy—a more strategic and behind-the-scenes method of negotiation. This includes increased outreach on the African continent, which he said will soon yield tangible results.
According to Minister Bakal, the United States’ interests in Somaliland primarily lie in two key areas: regional security and access to natural resources. The ongoing threat of terrorism in the Horn of Africa has made security cooperation a shared priority, and recent meetings between AFRICOM (United States Africa Command) leaders and Somaliland’s President have further underscored this partnership.
When asked why Washington can place its trust in Somaliland now, Bakal pointed to the country’s political stability and institutional consistency. “Somaliland honors its international commitments. We do not renege on agreements, even when governments change. Every administration upholds the treaties and accords signed by its predecessors,” he explained.
Bakal was firm in stating that mutual interest is driving the momentum for recognition. “The interest of the United States in Somaliland cannot be ignored, nor can Somaliland’s interest in the United States. It’s clear—we must align and unite these interests,” he said.
He also acknowledged that while Somaliland is actively pursuing U.S. support, the Somali Federal Government continues to oppose its independence, lobbying against Somaliland’s diplomatic efforts abroad. Despite this, Bakal noted that Somaliland has managed to gain attention and sympathy from key stakeholders in Washington, particularly during the Trump administration, which showed a more open attitude toward the territory’s claims.
As Somaliland continues its campaign for recognition, the Foreign Minister’s remarks mark a confident step forward in what has been a long and uncertain journey on the international stage.