By Horn Africa News
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Africa, has called on President Donald Trump to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.
In a letter addressed to the president, Cruz urged the administration “to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign nation within its 1960 borders.”
Cruz, a Republican from Texas, recalled that Somaliland gained independence in 1960 before voluntarily uniting with Somalia, only to withdraw from the union in 1991. Since then, he said, the territory has remained “a peaceful and democratic state where political power is transferred without violence.”
“Somaliland has emerged as a key partner for U.S. diplomatic engagement,” Cruz wrote. “It advances America’s security interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Strategically located on the Gulf of Aden near one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, Somaliland maintains a capable security force that combats terrorism and piracy.”
Cruz noted that Somaliland has taken bold steps in foreign policy, including establishing relations with Taiwan, seeking ties with Israel, and expressing interest in joining the Abraham Accords. He added that Somaliland has offered the United States a military base in Berbera and proposed rare mineral trade agreements with Washington.
However, he warned that Somaliland faces pressure from adversaries, particularly China, which is using economic and diplomatic leverage to force it to cut ties with Taiwan. He also accused the Federal Government of Somalia of being part of efforts to undermine Somaliland’s independence, including backing opposition groups within the territory.
Despite these challenges, Cruz emphasized that Somaliland has strengthened its ties with the U.S., expanded military cooperation, enhanced counterterrorism efforts, and increased economic partnerships—all in ways that align with U.S. interests.
“They deserve recognition as a country. I urge you to grant it,” Cruz told Trump, pledging his own support to help achieve the goal of formal recognition for Somaliland, which has been peaceful and democratic for 34 years but remains without international recognition.
President Trump, when recently asked about Somaliland’s recognition bid, confirmed the matter was under review by his administration.
Meanwhile, Somaliland’s government welcomed Cruz’s initiative, expressing gratitude for the advocacy of its friends in the U.S. A historical exhibit in Somaliland was recently seen displaying the U.S. flag alongside a message of appreciation to President Trump.
However, not all reactions were positive. Somali citizen Ali Nur, speaking to Horn Africa News, condemned Cruz’s push as “an attack on Somalia’s sovereignty,” urging the Somali government to take a firm stand against the move.
