Dr. Abdirahman Gaas, a prominent Political Economy Analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa, has called on the United States to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent nation.
In a letter addressed to Senator Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, and copied to President Donald J. Trump, Dr. Gaas emphasized Somaliland’s stability, democratic governance, and strategic importance as compelling reasons for recognition.“Somaliland is not a separatist ambition but a functioning state that has maintained peace and built credible institutions since 1991,” Dr. Gaas wrote.
He highlighted Somaliland’s track record of democratic elections, effective border control, and diplomatic engagement, contrasting it with Somalia’s ongoing instability and reliance on foreign aid. “Recognizing Somaliland would promote regional stability and reward a government grounded in the rule of law,” he added.
Dr. Gaas, known for his extensive research on regional integration and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa, argued that Somaliland’s recognition aligns with U.S. interests in securing critical maritime corridors near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and countering growing geopolitical competition in the region.
His letter comes amid recent discussions in Congress about reviewing U.S.-Somaliland ties, with Somaliland offering a potential naval base and access to rare earth minerals in exchange for recognition.
The call has sparked debate, with some analysts noting the African Union’s reluctance to endorse Somaliland’s independence due to concerns over regional precedents. However, Dr. Gaas remains optimistic, urging President Trump to leverage his pragmatic leadership to advance U.S. interests by welcoming Somaliland as a reliable ally.
Source: Below letter by Dr. Abdirahman Gaas, Political Economy Analyst, Horn of Africa
The Case for Recognizing Somaliland: Stability, Partnership, and Reality
To: Senator @tedcruz Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy
CC: President Donald J. Trump
Dear Senator #Cruz, As a scholar and political economy analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa, I write in full support of your August 14, 2025, letter to President Donald J. Trump, urging the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent nation.
Your proposal is not only justified — it is long overdue.Somaliland is not a separatist ambition. It is a stable, democratic, and functioning state. Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has maintained peace, built credible institutions, delivered essential services, and held multiple democratic elections — all without significant international aid or recognition.
It governs effectively, controls its borders, collects taxes, and engages diplomatically abroad. These are not characteristics of a breakaway region but of a sovereign state. Meanwhile, Somalia remains a fragile partner, heavily dependent on foreign support amid ongoing instability and extremist threats.
Recognizing Somaliland would promote stability across the Horn of Africa. It would reward peace over conflict and empower a legitimate government with hard-earned experience in reconciliation and institution-building. Somaliland understands Somalia’s challenges; it has lived through them.
But unlike Somalia, Somaliland confronted its past, reconciled its communities, and established a functioning state just two months after the central government collapsed. That state has now endured for over three decades — resilient, lawful, and grounded in consensus.
#Somaliland and #Somalia are not merely politically separate; they are fundamentally different in governance and statecraft. While Somalia struggles with fragmentation, foreign dependence, and elite-driven politics, Somaliland has thrived through local ownership, community participation, and a commitment to the rule of law.
These differences stem from leadership, legitimacy, and a determination to move forward. Somaliland seeks not Somalia’s collapse, but its own rightful recognition. It is prepared to act as a constructive regional partner for peace and development. Continuing to ignore its success while tolerating failure elsewhere is not just unjust — it is strategically short-sighted.
President Trump’s legacy as a bold and pragmatic leader who prioritizes U.S. interests should include recognizing reliable allies. Somaliland is one: it governs itself, supports regional security, and sits astride a critical maritime corridor. It has shown that it can lead — and it is ready to do more. It is time to turn a new page in the Horn of Africa.
Let Somaliland take its rightful place among the nations of the world.
Respectfully, Dr. Abdirahman Gaas Political Economy Analyst, Horn of Africa