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Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro held important talks on Monday with senior United States military officials responsible for East Africa operations. The discussions, which took place in Hargeisa, were focused on strengthening security cooperation and deepening Somaliland’s engagement with Washington at a time when U.S. lawmakers are also considering new measures to expand relations with the self-declared republic.
The visit by the American delegation came just as the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee approved a bipartisan legislative package centered on H.R. 5300, a bill that encourages greater U.S. involvement with Somaliland. Among the proposals in this legislation are calls to ease travel and investment restrictions, review the possibility of establishing a U.S. diplomatic office in Hargeisa, and recognize Somaliland’s long record of stability and democratic governance. Supporters of the bill in Washington argue that Somaliland’s experience of peace and democracy in a volatile region makes it a unique and trustworthy partner for the United States.
During the meeting, President Irro expressed his appreciation to the visiting officers for traveling to Hargeisa and for engaging in direct talks with Somaliland’s leadership. He underlined the importance of regional stability, stronger security partnerships, and building a lasting relationship with the United States. Irro emphasized that Somaliland’s “strategic importance” in the Horn of Africa is clear, describing the territory as a reliable partner that has managed to preserve peace, democratic institutions, and social development for more than three decades despite remaining unrecognized internationally. He further welcomed support from members of the U.S. Congress who have spoken in favor of Somaliland’s political aspirations and encouraged deeper political, economic, and security engagement.
The U.S. officers in attendance praised Somaliland for its consistent efforts to maintain stability in the region and for its contributions to security both on land and at sea. They acknowledged Somaliland’s success in avoiding conflict for over thirty years and highlighted its efforts in combating piracy and ensuring maritime safety along its coastline. The officials promised to accelerate cooperation by expanding military training, offering technical support, and strengthening joint security programs that would benefit both sides. Such collaboration, they noted, would not only help improve Somaliland’s capacity but also enhance broader regional stability at a time when the Horn of Africa faces threats from terrorism, piracy, and political instability in neighboring states.
Somaliland’s government has long presented itself as a stable, democratic entity with functional institutions, arguing that it deserves formal international recognition. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, it has operated with its own government, security forces, and economic systems. While its achievements in governance and security are often praised, the territory has not yet secured recognition from the United States, the African Union, or most other members of the international community. This lack of recognition has limited its access to foreign investment, development funding, and international diplomacy.
However, the recent developments in Washington suggest that attitudes may be shifting. By pushing legislation that encourages engagement with Somaliland, U.S. lawmakers are sending a signal that the country’s democratic progress and strategic role in the Horn of Africa are being taken seriously. Although the legislation stops short of outright recognition, it does open the door for greater diplomatic presence and more direct cooperation between Washington and Hargeisa.
For Somaliland, the visit by U.S. military leaders is more than a symbolic gesture—it represents an opportunity to solidify its status as a trusted security partner in one of the world’s most fragile regions. For the United States, deeper cooperation with Somaliland could provide a reliable foothold in East Africa, a region where competition for influence is intensifying and security challenges remain high. Both sides appear ready to build on this momentum and explore new avenues of collaboration that could reshape the future of their relationship.