Somaliland’s government, political leaders, scholars, and citizens have enthusiastically welcomed U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s letter urging President Donald Trump to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state. The appeal, seen as a significant milestone in Somaliland’s decades-long quest for international recognition, has sparked widespread optimism about a potential breakthrough in U.S.-Somaliland relations.
In a letter dated August 14, 2025, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, described Somaliland as “a critical security and diplomatic partner for the United States.” He highlighted its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, its capable armed forces, and its contributions to counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts.
Cruz also noted Somaliland’s resilience in the face of pressure from adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party, which he accused of using economic and diplomatic coercion to undermine Somaliland’s ties with Taiwan. “Despite these threats, Somaliland remains committed to forging closer ties with the U.S.,” Cruz wrote, urging Trump to grant Somaliland formal recognition to strengthen military, counterterrorism, and economic partnerships.
Official Response from Somaliland’s Leadership
On behalf of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, the government, and the people of Somaliland, Presidential Spokesman Hussein Adan Igeh (Deyr) issued a statement, expressing profound gratitude to Senator Cruz.
“We extend our deepest thanks for your principled and unwavering support, as articulated in your eloquent letter to President Trump,” Igeh said. “Your advocacy captures the essence of Somaliland’s history, our democratic achievements since 1991, and our strategic value to the U.S. and the global community.
By acknowledging our peaceful governance, counterterrorism role, and resilience against adversaries, you have given voice to our people’s aspirations for recognition.”Igeh further noted, “Senator Cruz’s recognition of the challenges we face, including external pressures and Somalia’s destabilizing tactics, reaffirms our commitment to stand with the United States and its allies in promoting stability, security, and shared democratic values. We look forward to President Trump’s response as a historic step forward.”
Somaliland’s leadership swiftly praised the senator’s intervention. Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam expressed gratitude on X, stating, “On behalf of the Republic of Somaliland, I extend my heartfelt thanks to [Sen. Ted Cruz] for his unwavering support for our recognition and for championing our cause to President Trump.”
He emphasized that Cruz’s letter reflects “a deep appreciation of what we contribute to the U.S. and the World.”
Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Somaliland is committed to being a reliable partner to the United States and its allies, promoting stability, democracy, and security in the Horn of Africa. Despite Somalia’s aggression and its destabilizing tactics, including leveraging Al-Shabaab to sow chaos, we remain dedicated to fostering peace and urge the international community to recognize our contributions and support our rightful pursuit of sovereignty.”
Ambassador Bashir Goth, Somaliland’s representative in Washington, D.C., echoed this sentiment, calling Cruz’s outreach a “historic opportunity.” In a statement, Goth wrote, “I applaud @SenTedCruz’s courageous leadership and his outreach to @realDonaldTrump.
This is a historic opportunity for Somaliland, a beacon of stability, to join hands with the U.S. With our strategic Red Sea access and rich mineral resources, we can build a future of prosperity.
Prominent Somaliland scholar Dr. Abdirahman Gaas, a political economy analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa, also voiced strong support.
In a letter addressed to Sen. Cruz and copied to President Trump, Dr. Gaas underscored Somaliland’s stability, democratic governance, and strategic importance. “Somaliland is not a separatist ambition but a functioning state that has maintained peace and built credible institutions since 1991,” he wrote, contrasting Somaliland’s democratic elections and border control with Somalia’s ongoing instability.
He argued that recognition would “promote regional stability and reward a government grounded in the rule of law,” aligning with U.S. interests in securing maritime corridors near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Somaliland’s political spectrum united in support of Cruz’s call. Leaders from both the opposition, including Mohamoud Hashi Abdi, and the ruling party, such as Hersi Ali H Hassan, hailed the senator’s endorsement as a testament to the growing U.S.-Somaliland partnership.
Meanwhile, Ismail Ahmed, founder of WorldRemit, framed the potential recognition as a transformative moment in U.S. foreign policy. On X, he called it “Trump’s Panama Canal Moment,” drawing parallels to President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1903 recognition of Panama. Ahmed highlighted Somaliland’s offer of exclusive access to Berbera’s port and a 4km airfield, describing it as “a low-cost, high-impact foothold in one of the world’s most strategic corridors.”
The timing of Cruz’s letter aligns with a planned visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro to Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks. Foreign Minister Abdirahman confirmed to local media that President Irro will engage in high-level discussions with U.S. officials, members of Congress, and think tank representatives. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, boosting economic cooperation, and addressing regional security challenges in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland’s strategic overtures, including its offer of a U.S. naval base near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and access to lithium, gold, and oil blocks, with drilling set to begin in 2026, have further fueled momentum for recognition.
Cruz’s letter, combined with bipartisan Congressional interest and President Irro’s upcoming visit, has elevated Somaliland’s recognition from a distant possibility to a pressing item on Washington’s agenda. As Somalilanders celebrate this diplomatic milestone, they await President Trump’s response, hopeful that 2025 will mark a turning point in their nation’s quest for sovereignty.