Reports suggest that President is considering an initiative designed to establish a new U.S. military and economic presence in Africa. This move aims to counter Chinese and Russian influence while also striking a blow against Islamist terrorists in the region. A leading senator has informed Digital that this objective could be achieved by recognizing the independence of the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Somaliland, situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden, declared its separation from Somalia in 1991. Its government is reportedly offering the U.S. a new air and sea base, contingent on formal recognition. This location is strategically close to the entrance of the Red Sea, directly across from Yemen and areas controlled by the Houthis. It is reported that thirty percent of the world’s container ship traffic traverses these waters on its route to or from the Suez Canal.
On August 8, in the Oval Office, the President addressed reporters’ inquiries about recognizing Somaliland and the potential resettlement of Gazans there, stating, “We’re looking into that right now,” and adding, “We’re working on that right now, Somaliland.”
Senator Cruz, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, conveyed to Digital that “There is a very real opportunity that President Trump will recognize Somaliland during this administration.”
Senator Cruz further stated, “President Trump is bringing a new era of clarity in American national security, after four years of the Biden administration rewarding our enemies and punishing our allies, and recognizing Somaliland should be part of this new era.
“Somaliland has been a reliable ally to the United States, is integrating itself with us and our allies globally, and is committed to helping us counter efforts by China to undermine the safety and prosperity of Americans,” he remarked.
The White House did not provide a comment when requested by Digital.
Neighboring Somalia has been engaged in a prolonged struggle against Islamist fundamentalist fighters for decades. Under the current administration, U.S. Africa Command has intensified its airstrikes against both ISIS and terrorists.
In contrast, Somaliland, a 99% Muslim nation, has reportedly eradicated radicalism and has aligned itself with the U.S. and Israel. This led Senator Cruz to tell Digital, “They’re a Muslim country, in a very dangerous part of Africa, showing real courage. I will continue to push for deepening the U.S.-Somaliland partnership, including through the Africa Subcommittee in the Senate, and I expect that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will be receptive to doing so.”
Earlier this month, Senator Cruz wrote to President Trump regarding Somaliland, asserting that “it requires the status of a state. I urge you to grant it that recognition.”
Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, expressed optimism to the British Guardian newspaper on May 30, stating, “Recognition is on the horizon.” He added, “It’s a matter of time. Not if, but when.”
Somaliland’s port at Berbera is considered a pivotal asset in any potential agreement with Washington. Analysts suggest its strategic location has drawn attempts by both Russia and China to acquire it. Adjacent to the port is one of Africa’s five longest runways, which could provide the U.S. with both a sea and air base capable of targeting Houthi rebels to the north and Al Shabaab terrorists to the east.
In his letter to the White House, Senator Cruz wrote, “Somaliland has emerged as a critical security and diplomatic partner for the United States, helping America advance our national security interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond. It is strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, putting it near one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. It possesses capable armed forces and contributes to regional counterterrorism and piracy operations. It has proposed hosting a U.S. military presence near the Red Sea along the Gulf of Aden.”
The U.S.’s largest military base in Africa is located further up the coast in Djibouti. However, security and surveillance concerns have arisen at the U.S. Camp Lemonnier base, as China and other nations have established their own bases and monitoring stations in close proximity.
Somaliland is also reportedly offering the White House access to rare earth minerals, such as lithium and silicon quartz, which are essential for high-tech industries.
The U.S. has characterized Somalia, which harbors numerous ISIS and al-Qaida-linked operatives, as a terrorist safe haven. Reports indicate that the increasing presence of China and military forces from countries like Turkey is contributing to a growing dissatisfaction in Washington with its “one Somalia” policy, which continues to recognize Somaliland solely as part of Somalia.
Currently, a State Department spokesperson informed Digital of the official stance: “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.”
Nevertheless, Somaliland’s foreign minister engaged with politicians and officials in Washington in April. Several African sources, including the influential Horn Observer news outlet, have reported that President Abdullahi is expected to visit D.C. “soon.” Furthermore, U.S. officials, including U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley, are said to have traveled to Somaliland to meet with its president at least three times this year.