Mogadishu, Somalia
Somalia has sharply rejected efforts by some U.S. lawmakers to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, warning that any move to reward fragmentation would undermine sovereignty, regional security and international stability.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar said on social media that Somalia is ready to work with international partners on maritime security, counterterrorism and Red Sea stability, but only on terms that respect the country’s sovereignty, constitutional order and territorial integrity.
His remarks came after renewed pressure in Washington from U.S. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who has called for stronger ties with Somaliland and urged recognition of the self-declared territory as a strategic partner in the Horn of Africa.
Ali Omar dismissed the argument that Somalia could only contribute to regional security through division. “The narrative that Somalia can only contribute to regional security through fragmentation is historically false and strategically shortsighted,” he said.
Mogadishu argues that a united Somalia is better placed to help protect critical shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb corridor. It says attempts to encourage Somaliland’s secession may appear useful in the short term, but would carry wider risks for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government, and has since maintained its own administration, currency and relative stability. However, it remains unrecognised by the United Nations and most of the international community.
The U.S. State Department continues to follow the “One Somalia” policy, recognising the federal government in Mogadishu. But growing congressional interest in Somaliland has revived debate in Washington over whether U.S. policy should shift toward formal recognition, a move Somalia says would damage efforts to combat extremism and preserve regional stability.
