WASHINGTON, D.C. (Kaab TV) — U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R–Texas), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, has formally urged President Donald Trump to recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state in a letter issued on Thursday (August 14).
“Somaliland has emerged as a critical security and diplomatic partner for the United States…” the letter reads, highlighting the breakaway region’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, its contribution to regional counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts, and its diplomatic engagements—including hosting a Taiwanese representative office in Hargeisa, strengthening ties with Israel, and voicing support for the Abraham Accords.
Cruz warns that Somaliland now confronts growing pressure from adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party, which he accuses of using with economic and diplomatic coercion to punish Somaliland’s support for Taiwan and alignment with Western interests.
He argues that formal U.S. recognition would enable Somaliland to further enhance military cooperation, deepen trade and economic partnerships, and better serve shared security goals in the Horn of Africa.
Senator Cruz’s letter comes in the midst of growing momentum of pro-Somaliland recognition within the U.S Government. However, this does not mean a policy change yet.
President Trump’s Recent Remarks on Somaliland
President Donald Trump recently ignited debate with a brief comment when asked about Somaliland’s independence and a speculative offer to host displaced Palestinians from Gaza. He responded: “We are looking into that right now. Good question… another very tough one… but we’re working on it. Somaliland.”.
This remark was warmly received in Hargeisa, where Somaliland’s presidency framed it as recognition of their decades-long track record of peace, democracy, and regional stability.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali central government.
Since then, it has operated with its own democratic institutions, currency, and relative stability, though it remains unrecognised by any UN member state.
Its strategic importance lies in its location along critical maritime routes near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and it houses the deep-water port of Berbera, which has attracted investment from the UAE and interest from Ethiopia for access to the sea.
In 2024, Somaliland held a peaceful presidential election resulting in Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi’s victory.
In late March 2025, Somaliland made offer inviting U.S. access to the Berbera port and airbase.
Earlier this year, a U.S. House committee proposed establishing a representative office in Hargeisa to counter Chinese influence, and funding for democratic development continued.