Why the United States Should Recognize Somaliland
U.S. allies won’t love it, but American interests come first.
The United States should recognize Somaliland to bolster regional stability, according to the recent recognition of the country by Israel in late December 2025. This move was met with opposition from the Arab League, African Union, and several Middle Eastern nations, who deemed it "illegal" and a threat to regional stability. However, the opposition appears to be based more on geopolitics than principle.
The EU reaffirmed the importance of respecting Somalia's territorial integrity, but this stance seems disingenuous given the region's history of territorial disputes.
Somaliland voluntarily seceded from Somalia in 1991 after a decade of civil war and has since operated independently. The country has attracted investment from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Turkey. These nations see Somaliland as a strategic partner, particularly in light of the geopolitical competition for influence in the Horn of Africa.
Unlike Somalia, which has been plagued by terrorism, piracy, and extremism, Somaliland boasts functioning political institutions. The country recently held peaceful elections, with Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi winning the presidency in 2024. However, concerns remain about potential inter-clan conflict, especially in the east, where some clans favor unity with Somalia rather than Somaliland.
The recognition of Somaliland by Israel highlights the strategic importance of the country. Its geographic and cultural ties to the Middle East make it a valuable asset in the region. As such, the United States has a vested interest in supporting Somaliland, which could help promote stability and security in the Horn of Africa.
Written by urgent.news from Foreign Policy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
