The chairmen of two U.S. House committees tasked with countering the Chinese Communist Party have urged the State Department to remove Somaliland from its general travel advisory for Somalia. They argue that the move would demonstrate Somaliland’s stability and democracy, encourage U.S. investment, and help the United States counter Chinese influence in the Horn of Africa.
In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, they said that a travel advisory for all of Somalia would hinder travel, trade, and investment in Somaliland, which they said is a stable, democratic government that protects against piracy and terrorism and protects its surrounding waters.
The two lawmakers, John Moolenaar and Chris Smith, argue that a specific travel advisory for Somaliland would encourage U.S. businesses, especially those with key mineral opportunities such as lithium and copper. They also suggested that other African countries, such as Kenya and Ethiopia, should be issued with specific travel advisories.
The note also said that this move could help the United States avoid Chinese influence in the region, especially Beijing’s military base in Djibouti and China’s support for Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
They also said that Somaliland should work with democratic countries such as Taiwan and Israel, especially in health, infrastructure, and maritime security.
