The U.S. government has submitted a report to Congress outlining potential areas for strengthening the partnership between Somaliland and the U.S. At the same time, the report reaffirms the U.S.’s recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Somalia. Titled “Areas for Cooperation between the U.S. and Somaliland,” the report emphasizes the strategic importance of Somaliland in terms of security, given its location near the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea coast. It also highlights Somaliland’s potential role in combating extremist groups in the region, particularly in regards to alleged links between Al-Shabab and the Houthi group in Yemen. The report notes that the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) maintains regular communication with Somaliland and is exploring further opportunities for security cooperation. On the diplomatic front, U.S. embassy officials in Mogadishu regularly visit Somaliland to discuss security, humanitarian aid, and economic development. In terms of the economy, the U.S. recognizes the potential for investment and business opportunities in Somaliland’s ports, specifically the development and modernization of the port and airport in Berbera, which could benefit landlocked Ethiopia. However, the report acknowledges that the ongoing political conflict over Somaliland’s status and its relationship with the Somali federal government remains a barrier to investment in the banking and business sectors in the region.
