Washington, D.C. – In a significant development, the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee has approved the fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes provisions to strengthen Somaliland’s democratic institutions and enhance its security capabilities. This move marks a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Somaliland, which has been seeking international recognition since reclaiming its independence from Somalia in 1991.
The budget allocation aims to support Somaliland’s governance and security infrastructure, reflecting a broader U.S. strategy to engage with Somaliland amidst growing geopolitical competition. This decision comes at a time when Somaliland has been offering strategic advantages to the U.S., including a military base at the Red Sea entrance and critical-minerals deals, as reported by Bloomberg on July 30, 2025.
The approval by the subcommittee is a step towards formalizing U.S. support for Somaliland, which could have implications for the stability and international relations in the Horn of Africa. The budget now heads to a vote in the House of Representatives, indicating a potential increase in U.S. involvement in Somaliland as part of its efforts to counterbalance other global powers, such as China, in Africa.