The Chairman of Somaliland’s ruling WADDANI Party, Hon. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, has publicly expressed gratitude to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz for urging President Donald Trump to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
In a statement released, Chairman Hirsi described Cruz’s advocacy as a significant step in Somaliland’s decades-long pursuit of international recognition.
Speaking on behalf of the Somaliland government and the WADDANI Party, Hirsi emphasized the shared values between Somaliland and the United States, including democracy, human rights, peace, and regional stability. “We share many positive interests with the United States, and we have much to offer in return,” he said, highlighting Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and its potential to host a U.S. military base to counter terrorism and secure the Red Sea.
Hirsi’s remarks come in response to a letter sent by Senator Cruz to President Trump on August 14, 2025, which described Somaliland as a “critical security and diplomatic partner” for the U.S. Cruz cited Somaliland’s contributions to counterterrorism, its support for the Abraham Accords, and its ties with Taiwan as reasons for granting formal recognition.
Hirsi underscored Somaliland’s readiness to contribute to regional security, stating, “We will never forget those who support our quest for recognition and stand by us when we need them.” He also suggested that President Trump has a unique opportunity to reshape East African geopolitics by recognizing Somaliland, potentially leaving a historic legacy.
As Somaliland continues to strengthen its diplomatic outreach, including recent engagements with the UAE and offers of mineral exploration deals, the nation’s bid for recognition is gaining unprecedented traction.