By Horn Africa News
NEW YORK – Somalia has cautioned the United States against recognizing the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, warning that such a move would violate international law and undermine counterterrorism cooperation. The warning comes as a small but vocal group of U.S. lawmakers intensify pressure on the White House to shift its long-standing policy.
“Somalia is a sovereign nation… with internationally recognized borders, protected under international law,” said Somali Ambassador to Washington, Dahir Hassan Abdi “Arab”, in a statement.
“Any initiatives seeking to partition Somalia threaten to destabilize not only Somalia, but the entire continent,” he added, stressing that grievances in the north are political in nature and can be resolved within “a united Somali framework.”
Push for Somaliland Recognition
The remarks follow a letter dated August 14 from Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to President Donald Trump, urging the administration to “formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, based on the 1960 borders.”
Cruz described Somaliland as “a critical security and diplomatic partner” located in a strategically important position along the Gulf of Aden. His office publicized the letter last week alongside a briefing note.
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers introduced H.R. 3992 — the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act — on June 12, referring it to the Foreign Affairs Committee. If passed, the legislation would authorize the president to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. The bill has yet to advance beyond the introductory stage.
Despite congressional pressure, Washington’s official policy continues to back Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That position was reaffirmed in October 2024 by the “Somalia Quint” (United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Qatar, and Turkey), and reiterated in U.S. statements welcoming the Ankara Declaration brokered by Turkey between Somalia and Ethiopia in December 2024.
Federalism and the Lasanod Conflict
Ambassador Dahir rejected portrayals of Somalia as a disputed state, highlighting the nation’s unique cohesion. “Somalia is one of the few countries where citizens share one language, one religion, and one culture,” he wrote, insisting that the federal system allows for “broad self-rule, accountability, and autonomy without eroding national unity.”
His comments follow Mogadishu’s April decision to formally recognize the SSC-Khaatumo administration — based in the contested Sool and Sanaag regions around Lasanod — as a federal member state. In July, local delegates went further, announcing the creation of the North Eastern State, headquartered in Lasanod.
