Republic of Somaliland’s government has voiced profound appreciation for the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee’s markup and advancement of the State Department Reauthorization bill on September 17, 2025, with final committee approval following on September 18. This bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) and incorporating over 2,300 member priorities, represents the first comprehensive reauthorization of the State Department since 2002. Notably, it includes provisions under H.R. 5300 (Department of State Policy Provisions Act) that call for bifurcating U.S. travel advisories to distinguish Somaliland from Somalia—acknowledging the former’s relative stability—and encouraging the opening of a U.S. representative office in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital. These steps underscore Somaliland’s rising strategic value in the Horn of Africa, particularly its control over key Gulf of Aden shipping lanes critical for global trade.
“We welcome support for Somaliland in the State Department Reauthorization bill, advanced today by @HouseForeignGOP. The bill encourages the State Department to consider establishing a representative office in Hargeisa and to update the travel advisory for Somaliland, reflecting growing recognition of opportunities for U.S. engagement,” stated Somaliland’s U.S. envoy, Bashir Goth, in a statement.
“We appreciate the members who elevated these priorities, building on the leadership shown by Chairman Chris Smith of @CECCgov and @RepMoolenaar of @committeeonccp in their recent letter to @SecRubio. We urge Congress to act on this important legislation and look forward to continued partnership.”
This milestone advances Somaliland’s three-decade quest for international recognition, which began when it reclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991 during the latter’s descent into civil war. Unlike Somalia, plagued by al-Shabaab insurgency, clan conflicts, and governance challenges, Somaliland has sustained a multi-party democracy, regular elections, and economic growth through ports like Berbera.
Somaliland’s progress in Washington owes much to its dedicated representative, Bashir Goth. Appointed in 2018, the former journalist has built strong ties with U.S. lawmakers through briefings, op-eds, and advocacy events. A 2024 Washington Diplomat profile credits Goth with advancing recognition by presenting Somaliland as a reliable U.S. ally against terrorism and Chinese influence. In May 2025, Africa Intelligence reported the extension of his term, reflecting his success amid evolving U.S. priorities under the Trump administration.
Goth’s efforts align with GOP-led initiatives, such as H.R. 3992 (Republic of Somaliland Independence Act), introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty. Supporters like House Foreign Affairs Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) view these measures as practical foreign policy solutions. A 2023 RAND Corporation analysis supports this, advocating U.S. partnerships in the Horn to secure maritime routes and counter extremism—goals now reflected in the reauthorization bill.
The bill’s advancement coincided with President Donald Trump’s sharp social media criticism of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a Somalia-born congresswoman, on September 18, 2025. Following a failed House resolution to censure Omar over comments tied to conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Trump described Somalia as a “failed” state marked by poverty, terrorism, piracy, and corruption, with 70% of its population living in extreme poverty.
He accused Omar of hypocrisy for criticizing America while coming from such turmoil, reviving debunked claims about her personal life and calling her unfit for Congress. Critics like Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) echoed demands for her deportation, while Trump questioned her re-election by Minnesota’s Somali community.This rhetoric, highlighting Somalia’s instability, contrasts sharply with Somaliland’s stability, strengthening its case for recognition.
The Somalia-versus-Somaliland narrative, implicit in Trump’s remarks, may ease the bill’s passage in the GOP-led House. As the reauthorization bill moves to the full House floor, Somaliland remains optimistic.If passed, it could signal a U.S. policy shift, fostering direct engagement and investment. For now, Goth’s diplomacy and Trump’s critique of Somalia have spotlighted a nation long overlooked, positioning Somaliland to leverage Somalia’s challenges in its pursuit of global recognition