Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Adam, made his first official working visit to Washington, DC, on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025 engaging in high-level discussions at the Hudson Institute. The meeting, hosted by Joshua Meservey, a Senior Fellow at the institute, focused on Somaliland’s achievements in governance and security, as well as prospects for a closer relationship with the United States. The delegation included Somaliland’s USA representatives, Bashir Goth and Ambassador Mohamed Hagi, who participated in the talks.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment for Somaliland, which celebrated its 34th anniversary of restored statehood on May 18, 2025, with nationwide festivities. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, in a separate appeal to over 130 world leaders, reiterated Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international recognition as a sovereign state—a goal yet to be realized since its declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991. Despite this, Somaliland has maintained relative stability and democratic governance, starkly contrasting with Somalia’s ongoing struggles against the anti-democratic insurgency al-Shabaab, which continues to control significant portions of Somali territory.
Somaliland’s strategic position in the Horn of Africa, coupled with its democratic progress, has long made it a point of interest for international observers. The Hudson Institute has been a vocal advocate for reevaluating US policy toward Somaliland, with recent reports challenging inaccuracies in arguments against its recognition, such as those outlined in a Hudson Institute piece that critiques the Somali Ambassador’s push for a unified Somalia. The report highlights the failure of U.S. policy to stabilize Somalia over the past decade, arguing that Somaliland’s de facto sovereignty and stability make it a more viable partner for the U.S. in the region.
Adding to the momentum of this visit, Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam shared insights into his ongoing efforts via a post on X on May 22, 2025. He stated, “This week, I am in Washington, DC, on a listening tour to strengthen dialogue focused on advancing mutual interests. The recent elections in both our countries present a timely opening to explore fresh opportunities. My message is clear: Somaliland seeks a deeper partnership with the United States – and there will be more to share in the coming days.”
The timing of the minister’s visit and his public statements align with growing U.S. interest in Somaliland’s strategic value, particularly its location along the Gulf of Aden—a critical maritime trade route near conflict zones like Yemen and Somalia. As noted in a 2024 Atlantic Council report, Somaliland’s position offers the U.S. a vantage point to monitor regional threats, including the Houthis and al-Shabaab, while countering China’s expanding influence in the Horn of Africa. The report advocates for a deeper U.S.-Somaliland partnership in sectors like security, diplomacy, and trade, even if full recognition remains elusive.
As Somaliland continues to build international support, this Washington visit marks a significant step in its pursuit of legitimacy on the global stage, with Minister Abdirahman’s activities signaling a renewed push for a partnership that could reshape U.S. policy in the region.