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U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, has called on the Trump administration to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent country.
In a letter sent to President Donald Trump on August 14, 2025, Cruz argued that Somaliland has become a strong security and diplomatic partner for the United States and plays a key role in protecting U.S. interests in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland’s Strategic Importance
Cruz described Somaliland as strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. He noted that Somaliland’s armed forces are well-trained and actively involved in fighting terrorism and piracy in the region.
The senator also highlighted Somaliland’s growing international ties. It has welcomed a Taiwanese Representative Office in its capital, Hargeisa, strengthened its relationship with Israel, supported the Abraham Accords, and even proposed hosting a U.S. military base near the Red Sea. In addition, Somaliland has shown interest in agreements on critical minerals that could help the U.S. secure vital resources for its supply chains.
“The U.S.-Somaliland partnership is strong and continues to grow,” Cruz wrote.
Pressure from China and Somalia
However, Cruz warned that Somaliland is facing increasing pressure from its adversaries. He accused China of trying to punish Somaliland for supporting Taiwan by using economic and diplomatic coercion.
He also criticized the Somali government for working with China to undermine Somaliland’s sovereignty. Cruz pointed out that in April 2025, China convinced Somalia to block Taiwanese travelers from passing through Somaliland. He also claimed that Chinese aid to Somalia has supported groups that oppose Somaliland’s independence.
“The government of Somalia has unfortunately played a role in these efforts,” Cruz wrote. “I urge you to grant Somaliland formal recognition.”
Somaliland Welcomes U.S. Support
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, welcomed Cruz’s statement and expressed deep appreciation for his support.
“On behalf of the Republic of Somaliland, I sincerely thank Senator Ted Cruz for his unwavering support for our recognition,” the minister said. “He understands our identity, our security role, and our economic importance. This reflects the real value Somaliland brings to the world.”
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the fall of dictator Siad Barre. Since then, it has operated with its own government, army, and institutions, though no country has formally recognized it as a sovereign state.
Somalia Strongly Opposes
The Somali government quickly rejected Cruz’s proposal. In a statement released by its embassy in Washington, D.C., Somalia warned that recognition of Somaliland would threaten the country’s unity and stability.
“Terrorist groups benefit when Somalia’s unity is weakened,” the embassy said. “The international community must support Somalia’s territorial integrity and not fuel political divisions. We will not compromise on our sovereignty.”
The embassy also reminded Washington that Somalia and the U.S. have a strong working relationship. In 2025 alone, they carried out more than 20 joint operations against extremist groups such as al-Shabaab.
Ongoing Dispute
The dispute over Somaliland’s status remains one of the most sensitive political issues in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland does not allow Somali or federal state flags to be displayed in its territory, and it insists on its independence. Yet the United Nations and the wider international community continue to recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Senator Cruz’s push adds new pressure to U.S. policy in the region, forcing Washington to balance its security interests with Somalia’s demand for unity.
For Somaliland, Cruz’s support is seen as a major step forward in its decades-long campaign for recognition. For Somalia, however, it represents a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
As both sides hold firm, the question of Somaliland’s independence remains unresolved — but Cruz’s letter has once again brought it to the center of U.S. foreign policy debates.