Somaliland’s Call for US Partnership
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi recently announced that his nation is open to establishing a comprehensive security and economic partnership with the United States. He highlighted Somaliland’s strategic location, which he claims is crucial in the region as it lies along a maritime corridor responsible for 30 percent of the world’s container traffic and is rich in essential minerals. Furthermore, he posited that Somaliland may be a stable pro-Western ally in an often unstable region.
In a conversation with Breitbart News from Dubai, where he attended the World Government Summit, Abdullahi elaborated on how Somaliland’s secure coastline, untapped resources, and over three decades of internal stability resonate with key U.S. interests, including securing maritime routes, enhancing counterterrorism efforts, and diversifying critical mineral supply chains to reduce reliance on China.
Abdullahi expressed his admiration for former President Donald Trump’s initial year in office, recognizing various conflict resolution achievements and a revival of U.S. global leadership. “In my view, and that of our nation, President Trump’s peace initiatives reflect the work of a great leader,” he stated, recalling that he had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
He characterized Trump’s leadership as a significant contribution to global peace and stability. Abdullahi’s pursuit of deeper relations with Washington follows Israel’s historic recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty—a first for any United Nations member—in December 2025. This was a move articulated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of the “spirit” of the Abraham Accords, agreements which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations during Trump’s term.
Notably, the UAE plays a pivotal role in Somaliland’s economy, particularly through the development of Berbera port along the Gulf of Aden. Abdullahi aims to enhance diplomatic engagement and formalize higher-level cooperation. “We support the president’s peace initiative and are keen on signing a partnership agreement in both Israel and the Oval Office,” he remarked.
Since the recognition, there have been discussions between Israeli and Somaliland officials about expanding collaboration in areas like agriculture, technology, health, and security. In early January, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made an official visit to Somaliland, marking a significant event as he was the first foreign minister from a recognized nation to visit the territory.
Geography plays a vital role in Abdullahi’s arguments. Somaliland controls about 760 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Aden, particularly near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, linking the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea. Notably, 30% of the world’s container traffic traverses this passage. Abdullahi asserted that his nation’s coastline is safe, in contrast to the piracy often associated with Somalia, and suggested Somaliland could be a dependable maritime ally for Western nations.
He underscored Somaliland’s safe waters, stating, “We are strategically positioned in the Gulf of Aden.” Recent assaults by Iranian-backed Houthis on commercial ships in the Red Sea have shown the corridor’s vulnerabilities, which highlights the need for dependable partners along its shores, he added. “We can be an essential ally in ensuring maritime security,” he concluded, asserting that Somaliland is prepared to facilitate global trade effectively.
Turning to economic potential, Abdullahi pointed out Somaliland’s rich resource base. “We have much to offer America,” he said, mentioning resources like rare earth minerals and livestock. Somaliland has identified key minerals such as lithium as the U.S. looks to lower its dependency on China, which currently dominates rare earth production. Recent initiatives like Project Vault, announced by Trump, aim to secure critical mineral reserves, and Abdullahi emphasized Somaliland’s potential to be included in these efforts, referencing past U.S. corporate interests in the region.
Several Republican lawmakers in the U.S. are echoing the notion that Somaliland’s stability, location, and resources align well with U.S. interests in the Horn of Africa. Senator Ted Cruz has encouraged formal U.S. recognition of Somaliland, framing it as a strategic move rather than an act of charity. “This aligns with national security interests and reinforces alliances with shared values,” he noted.
Abdullahi expressed gratitude to Cruz, affirming, “I completely agree.” In the House, Representative Scott Perry and colleagues have championed legislation asserting Somaliland’s qualifications for nationhood, suggesting that such recognition would benefit U.S. security. Others, like Rep. Chris Smith, have echoed sentiments regarding Somaliland’s democratic history and strategic importance.
In addressing concerns that recognition might destabilize Somalia, Abdullahi differentiated between the two regions. Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has sustained peaceful relations with neighboring countries like Djibouti and Ethiopia while conducting multiple elections and maintaining robust governance structures. In contrast, Somalia struggles with instability and dependence on foreign forces to combat terrorism.
Originally part of a British protectorate, Somaliland became sovereign on June 26, 1960, before merging with Somalia. Abdullahi pointed out that Somaliland had distinct national identities before merging and believed that the subsequent break from Somalia post-1991 shows the reality of their relationship: “We were independent before Somalia was independent.”
As Abdullahi sees it, Somaliland is ready to assist in regional counter-terrorism efforts, stating, “We stand prepared to cooperate fully.” Located strategically across from Yemen, Somaliland offers a promising outlet for stability in the region, he concluded, urging the international community to recognize the difference between his territory and Somalia.
