The United States has presented a report to Congress detailing potential areas for enhanced cooperation with Somaliland, while reaffirming its recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The report, titled “Areas Where the United States Can Cooperate with Somaliland,” states that the United States views Somaliland as an important security partner, given its strategic location near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea coast. According to the report, Somaliland can contribute to efforts to combat extremist groups in the region, particularly the alleged links between Al-Shabaab and the Houthi group in Yemen.
The report also states that the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is in regular contact with Somaliland authorities and is exploring additional opportunities for security cooperation. On the diplomatic front, the US Embassy in Mogadishu is said to be making regular visits to Somaliland to discuss security, humanitarian assistance, and economic development issues.
On the economic front, the US noted that Somaliland’s ports, particularly the development of the Berbera port and airport, could create new investment and trade opportunities, especially given that Ethiopia is a landlocked country. However, the report noted that political disputes over Somaliland’s status and its relationship with the federal government of Somalia remain obstacles to investment, banking, and trade in the region.
While the report highlighted Somaliland’s strategic importance and the opportunities for cooperation, it also clearly emphasized that the official US policy remains to recognize a unified Somalia, with Somaliland described as a region of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
