“Somaliland’s push for international recognition was the main topic of discussion at a recent event, where the nation’s representative to the United States highlighted its three core pillars: democracy and stability, security and economic opportunity, and formal recognition as a catalyst for progress. The representative spoke at an event organized by FPRI’s Africa Program, which explored the potential impact of U.S. recognition on American foreign policy in the Horn of Africa and whether Washington and its allies should recognize Somaliland. Moderated by Ambassador (ret.) Charles A. Ray, former U.S. Ambassador and Chair of FPRI’s Africa Program, the panel featured Somaliland’s Representative to the United States Bashir Goth, Hudson Institute Africa expert Joshua Meservey, and University of Alaska Africa studies expert Michael Walsh. Goth delivered a clear message: if the United States recognizes Somaliland, they will join the Abraham Accords. He emphasized Somaliland’s track record as a stable, pro-Western democracy in the Horn of Africa, with free elections, peaceful transfers of power, and a robust civil society. Somaliland has rejected overtures from adversaries like China while maintaining strong ties with Taiwan. Unlike neighboring Somalia, Somaliland has built effective security institutions and governance with minimal foreign aid, positioning itself as a reliable partner for the United States and its allies. On the second pillar, Somaliland’s strategic location along key maritime routes, including the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, offers significant opportunities for counterterrorism, maritime security, and logistics. Its modern port of Berbera is already attracting foreign investment. Recognition would unlock greater access to finance, trade, critical minerals, and energy opportunities for American and international businesses. The third pillar centers on recognition itself, which Somaliland argues would accelerate development, remove barriers imposed by the “one Somalia” policy, and enhance regional stability and counterterrorism coordination. Somaliland frames its independence not as secession but as the restoration of colonial-era borders, a position that is acknowledged in the African Union Charter. Recent Red Sea shipping disruptions have only heightened Berbera’s strategic importance, with new shipping routes opening, including those involving Saudi maritime companies. Addressing diplomatic realities, Somaliland hosts offices from several European and Arab countries, as well as Taiwan. Many of these operate de facto as consulates, though they are formally linked to embassies accredited to Somalia. Somalia objects, but it has had no effective control over Somaliland for 35 years. On potential security risks from closer ties with Israel and the United States, including proximity to the Houthis in Yemen, Somaliland officials acknowledged the calculated risks that come with such partnerships, while stressing mutual security and economic interests. No Israeli military basing currently exists, but future cooperation remains open. Regarding the prospects for U.S. recognition, Somaliland representatives expressed optimism that the “first country” barrier has been broken with Israel’s recognition. They drew parallels to Bangladesh’s path to broader acceptance and predicted that additional recognitions, including from the United States, would follow in due course. The Somaliland president is expected to visit Washington, though no date has been specified. Finally, Somaliland reaffirmed its commitment to joining the Abraham Accords, stating that it had expressed interest even before Israel’s recognition and would do so “automatically” if the United States grants recognition. The discussion underscored Somaliland’s vision of becoming a stable, democratic anchor and strategic partner in a volatile region.”
