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Somaliland Gains Spotlight in US Media with High-Profile Newsmax Interview

By
Goth Mohamed
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The Republic of Somaliland is drawing increased attention in American political and media circles, highlighted by a prime-time appearance on Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt on April 6.

Hassan Aden, CEO of Somaliland Investment and Trade, emphasized the territory’s restoration of independence in 1991, its long-standing stability, democratic governance, and clear contrast with neighboring Somalia. The segment aimed to build broader awareness and support among US audiences.

This interview forms part of Somaliland’s ongoing diplomatic push. Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025, opening doors for potential partnerships. US lawmakers, including Rep. John Rose (R-TN), have since called for stronger ties and full recognition, citing strategic benefits in the Horn of Africa, including access to Berbera port and critical minerals like lithium and coltan.

A bill in Congress (H.R. 3992, the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act) continues to advance discussions, with Somaliland offering military basing rights and resource access in exchange for diplomatic recognition.

Somaliland has maintained its own government, currency, and regular elections since 1991. It gained its first recognition from Israel last year but still remains not fully internationally recognized by most nations, including the United States. Officials hope that growing visibility will shift long-standing policy.

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Somalia: Deni Orders His Forces to Prepare for a War to Defend Puntland

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Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Garowe – The President of the Puntland State of Somalia, Said Deni, has ordered all branches of Puntland’s security forces to prepare themselves rigorously and remain on full alert at all times, ready to respond whenever needed.

Speaking during a meeting with some of the forces and their commanders, President Deni stated that Puntland is entering a war he described as just—one fought to defend its people and its territory. He emphasized that the government will not issue wrongful orders to its forces, but they are expected to carry out their duties efficiently and professionally.

President Deni also reaffirmed Puntland’s firm commitment to safeguarding its stability, warning against various threats including terrorists, pirates, and individuals attempting to infiltrate the security forces in order to undermine them from within.

Expressing confidence in his forces, Deni said: “We are confident that our forces have the ability to defend the country and prevent anyone who causes trouble.”

The president’s remarks come amid growing grievances within some sections of the forces, triggered by the recent cabinet reshuffle in Puntland. Some of these forces have complained that their clans have been marginalized in Puntland’s political power-sharing arrangements, while others have previously voiced complaints over unpaid salaries—and have even sent appeals to the Federal Government of Somalia.

Communiqué of the 59th Session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland

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Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

The 59th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), was held today at the Presidential Palace.

During this session, the Council addressed several key agenda items, as outlined below:

  1. Welcoming of Newly Appointed Ministers

President Cirro officially welcomed the recently appointed ministers to the Cabinet. The new ministers are:

· H.E. Aadan Geeddi Qayaad – Minister of Agricultural Development
· H.E. Maxamed Cabdimaalik Axmed – Minister of Water Development
· H.E. Dr. Cabdisalaan Xuseen Cawaale – Minister of Telecommunications and Technology
· H.E. Barkhad Jaamac Xirsi Batuun – Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness

Each new minister delivered brief remarks, expressing gratitude to the President for his trust and requesting his prayers for divine guidance in fulfilling their national duties. They further pledged to serve with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of national responsibility, prioritizing the public interest of Somaliland and its people.

  1. National Security Update

Deputy Minister of Interior and National Security, H.E. Cabdirashiid Maxamed Axmed (Magaalo), reported that the national security situation remains stable, with no unrest or threats of any kind. He noted that reconciliation efforts in the Awdal and Selel regions are progressing well, and that local communities are ready to embrace peace.

  1. Economic Situation Briefing

Minister of Finance and Economic Development, H.E. Cabdillaahi Xasan Aadan, briefed the Council on the economic, commercial, and livelihood impacts of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. He highlighted that rising fuel prices, increased import costs, and higher maritime insurance premiums have directly affected local trade and citizens’ living standards, creating a significant economic burden.

The Minister stressed the need for national coordination to strengthen domestic revenue sources and reduce dependence on external markets. He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to increasing internal revenue, controlling inflation, and stabilizing the Somaliland Shilling, and called for unified measures to mitigate current economic pressures while promoting local production and inter-agency collaboration.

  1. Foreign Affairs & Digital Sovereignty

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Cabdiraxmaan Daahir Aadan Bakaal, presented a report on the strategic importance of Digital Sovereignty for Somaliland, particularly in the modern era. He noted that following Israel’s recognition, Somaliland faces increased hostility from adversaries seeking to undermine it by various means.

The Minister emphasized that strengthening Digital Sovereignty is essential for protecting national data, enhancing international communications and image, developing digital public services, and advancing technology-driven diplomacy. He announced the formation of a Task Force of experts to develop and implement a national strategy for achieving and safeguarding Somaliland’s Digital Sovereignty. He urged the Council to treat this as a national priority critical to the nation’s future.

  1. Humanitarian Affairs & Resettlement

Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, H.E. Saleebaan Ducaale Xaaji Jaamac, updated the Council on his ministry’s ongoing operations. He reported that over the past eight months, food aid has been distributed to drought-affected communities in the eastern regions. He proposed several measures:

· Delivering urgent aid to the eastern regions
· Accelerating collaboration between international and local agencies
· Developing a national plan to build resilience against recurrent droughts
· Continuously assessing the living conditions of affected populations

  1. Decentralization of Basic Education

Minister of Education, Training, and Science, H.E. Professor Ismaaciil Ducaale Yuusuf, presented a report on the Basic Education Decentralization Procedure. This framework aims to clearly define roles and collaboration between the Ministry of Education, local governments, district councils, and district education offices—particularly in districts where basic education has been decentralized.

He noted that implementing this system will improve the quality of basic education and ensure equitable access for all students. The procedure encourages close cooperation between the ministry, local administrations, and communities, thereby supporting educational development and addressing local needs.

  1. Environment & Climate Change – National Tree Planting Day

Minister of Environment and Climate Change, H.E. Cabdilaahi Cismaan (Geeljire), briefed the Council on preparations for National Tree Planting Day (15.04.2026). He announced that the government plans to plant 13 million trees to strengthen environmental protection and mitigate climate change impacts.

He urged all cabinet members and national institutions to take visible responsibility for planting and caring for trees on their premises, setting a positive example for the public. The Minister emphasized that climate change has severely affected both rural and urban communities, making a green economy imperative—with tree planting as the cornerstone of climate action.

  1. Closing Remarks by the President

In his closing remarks, President Cirro informed the Council that peace efforts in the Awdal and Selel regions are proceeding smoothly, with a high-level delegation led by the Vice President currently on the ground.

The President specifically commended the traditional leaders of these regions for their vital role in fostering peace and unity among local communities. He expressed gratitude for their continued efforts to ensure lasting stability and social cohesion.

Saudi Arabia launches new shipping link to Berbera, upping the ante in Horn of Africa port race

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Jama Ayaanle Feyte

Riyadh – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has officially launched new maritime shipping services connecting Saudi terminals to Somaliland’s Berbera Port, a move that strengthens Riyadh’s logistics footprint in the Horn of Africa amid intensifying regional competition.

The service integrates Berbera into Mawani’s network of 17 international destinations, including major hubs in China, India, and the Gulf. The first vessels are expected to boost Berbera’s annual container throughput, which currently stands at approximately 500,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), with projected growth of 15–20% over the next 12 months.

Strategic benefits

For Saudi Arabia (Vision 2030):

· Aims to raise the Kingdom’s maritime logistics capacity to 40 million TEUs annually by 2030.
· Reduces reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb chokepoints by diversifying regional port access.

For Somaliland & Berbera:

· Berbera’s current utilization is estimated at 60–70% of capacity; new Saudi services could push it toward full capacity by late 2027.
· The port’s free zone, spanning 12 square kilometers, is expected to attract an additional $150–200 million in Saudi-linked FDI over two years.

For Ethiopia (landlocked, 120 million population):

· Currently over 90% of Ethiopian trade transits through Djibouti. The Berbera corridor offers a shorter alternative: less than 250 km from Berbera to the Ethiopian border vs. over 900 km via Djibouti.
· Projected logistics cost savings: 10–15% on container freight to Addis Ababa.

Regional competition context

The move places Saudi Arabia in direct but complementary competition with the UAE, whose DP World holds a 51% stake in Berbera’s development under a 30-year concession signed in 2016. Turkey also operates a military facility in neighboring Somalia.

Mawani’s entry diversifies Berbera’s investor base, reducing single-actor dependency. In 2025, Berbera handled an estimated 1.2 million tons of cargo, up from 850,000 tons in 2020. Saudi-backed services are forecast to push that figure past 1.5 million tons by end-2026.

Livestock impact

Somaliland exports approximately 3–4 million livestock heads annually to the Gulf, worth around $250–300 million. The new shipping route cuts sea transit time from Berbera to Jeddah by an estimated 2–3 days, improving animal health and reducing mortality rates by an expected 5–7%.

Bottom line

With port competition in the Horn accelerating—involving the UAE, Ethiopia’s recent MoU with Somaliland (January 2024), and now Saudi Arabia—Berbera stands as the primary beneficiary. The Mawani service transforms it from a regional alternative into a frontline competitor to Djibouti, which currently handles 1.7 million TEUs annually.

Jama Ayaanle Feyte is Somaliland Born Journalist and Horn of Africa Political and Security Analyst

The Silent Cost of Patriarchy: Somalia’s Struggle for Equality

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By: Yousef Timacade, a Lawyer, Legal Analyst and human rights Defender.

In Somalia, patriarchy is not always loudly declared, it is quietly lived, it shapes family decisions, determines who controls resources, and decides whose voice carries authority in public life. By default, it privileges men, yet beneath this surface advantage lies a paradox: the same system that seems to elevate men is holding the entire society back.

At first glance, patriarchy may appear beneficial for men. It grants social status, control over opportunities, and decision-making power. But this advantage is narrow. When women are excluded, the country loses half of its potential workforce, thinkers, and innovators. Ideas remain unrealized, businesses unstarted, and solutions undiscovered. Economist Amartya Sen once wrote, “Development requires the removal of major sources of unfreedom, including the denial of women’s rights.” In Somalia, this “unfreedom” manifests as limited access to education, professional roles, and political representation for women.

The consequences ripple beyond economics. Justice systems, shaped by male-dominated structures, often leave women underrepresented and underserved, laws may fail to reflect women’s realities, and institutions sometimes fail to deliver fairness equally. Over time, this imbalance eat away at public trust, as a legal system that does not serve everyone equally struggles to maintain legitimacy.

At home, patriarchal norms impose rigid gender roles, men are expected to be stoic providers; women are tasked with domestic responsibilities. Partnership often gives way to hierarchy, and harmony is replaced by quiet tension. Across Somalia, the argument that women are less capable persists but reality tells a different story. Women sustain markets, excel academically, and contribute professionally and socially, their limitations are structural, not personal.

Somali feminists, known locally as Dumar la Jirnimo, are challenging these inequalities, they do not seek to reverse roles but to remove barriers that prevent fair participation. Amina Mohamed, a Somali scholar and activist, explains: “Our struggle is not against men, it is about ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to contribute to society.” Feminism in Somalia is not a foreign or misguided idea; it is a movement to secure human and civil rights, eliminate gender discrimination, and ensure women are not devalued or denied opportunities, respect, and dignity.

Somali women deserve to participate in all aspects of life, they should be scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs, educators, social and political activists, engineers, doctors, technicians, and succeed in every profession and leadership role. Somali women are not less intelligent or capable than men; many are even more skilled, yet, conservative traditions, outdated societal expectations, and systemic barriers hold them back. Economic, professional, and social empowerment is essential to allow women to realize their full potential.

Domestic abuse is a form of mental and intellectual slavery, designed to instill subservience and undermine women’s sense of self-worth. Marriage should be grounded in love, mutual respect, and shared responsibility not hierarchy, while roles within relationships may naturally differ, these differences do not justify dominance or oppression.

For centuries, Somali society has clung to tradition, using cultural norms to restrict women’s freedoms. Practices and expectations rooted in history are often treated as immutable, but they have long been used to maintain male dominance in family, work, and public life. Women’s ambitions are frequently undervalued, and traditionalists argue that their place is “inside the home,” even when capable of contributing at the highest levels of society, this rigid adherence to tradition reinforces inequality and suppresses potential.

Religious leaders have also played a role in perpetuating patriarchy, often for political reasons by interpreting religious texts to favor male authority, they consolidate social and political power while discouraging women’s independence. Their influence extends to legislation, education, and social norms, reinforcing the belief that women’s rights must remain secondary. Somali women therefore face dual pressures: cultural expectations and politically motivated religious authority.

This intertwining of tradition and religion makes the struggle for equality more complex. Feminists challenge not only cultural norms but also influential figures who benefit from maintaining male dominance. Advocating for equal rights, education, and empowerment, Somali feminists push back against centuries of control that shape family dynamics, professional opportunities, and societal attitudes, their fight is not only for legal recognition but for the cultural and political space to thrive as equals.

Islamic feminism provides a framework for reform. Scholars like Fatima Mernissi argue that patriarchal interpretations of Islamic texts have historically restricted women, yet the Qur’an emphasizes justice and dignity for all. Somali Islamic feminists leverage these teachings to advocate for equality in ways that resonate culturally, showing that reform and faith are compatible.

Patriarchy also constrains men. Expectations to suppress vulnerability, conform to narrow ideals of strength, and shoulder responsibilities alone limit men’s potential and emotional well-being. As Bell Hooks notes in The Will to Change: “Patriarchy hurts men as much as women, but in different ways.” Expanding equality offers men freedom, the freedom to share responsibilities, express emotions, and build healthier relationships.

Even within marriage, systemic inequities often persist. Ideal partnerships rely on love and shared responsibility, but unequal expectations frequently place the burden on women. True partnership does not require identical roles but demands equal dignity, respect, and voice, relationships cannot thrive when one partner consistently outweighs the other.

Somalia’s path toward equality is complex. Not all barriers come from men; communities themselves reinforce outdated traditions and social pressures that limit women’s aspirations. Effective advocacy emphasizes inclusion, justice, and shared progress rather than conflict.

The stakes are high. A society that limits half its population cannot reach its potential, conversely, embracing equality can unlock economic growth, political legitimacy, and social cohesion. As Malala Yousafzai said, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” In Somalia, the question is no longer whether women should participate, it is whether the country can afford not to.

Feminism in Somalia is not a women’s issue; it is a human issue, it is about envisioning a society where opportunity is not defined by gender, where justice is impartial, and coexistence is built on mutual respect. Patriarchy may have been the default, but it does not have to define the future.

The Red Sea Power Game: Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the contest for influence in the Horn of Africa

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Marie de Vries, researcher at the FMES Institute

Summary

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on December 26, 2025, marks a transition from episodic rivalries to a structured competition over the Red Sea’s security architecture. This diplomatic move provides Israel with vital strategic depth to counter Houthi threats and Iranian influence, though it simultaneously risks creating new frontline vulnerabilities. The recognition has solidified a “Berbera Axis” (Israel-UAE-Ethiopia) centered on port access and maritime monitoring, which is now directly countered by a « Mogadishu Axis » (Somalia-Turkey-Egypt-Saudi Arabia) defending Somali sovereignty. Today, regional stability and Somalia’s formal sovereignty appear to outweigh the strategic advantages of diplomatic recognition. The near-term future of the territory will likely be defined not by a cascade of diplomatic breakthroughs, but by a phase of « calibrated ambiguity”. In this environment, practical influence, maritime access, and security cooperation will carry far more weight than formal declarations of statehood.

Introduction

The recognition of Somaliland by Israel on December 26, 2025, marks a shift in the strategic landscape of the Horn of Africa. Rather than a move of immediate diplomatic utility, it is a strategic inflection point, signalling a transition from episodic rivalries to structured competition over the security architecture of the Red Sea. Its importance lies less in the legal act of recognition than in the strategic environment in which it occurs, driven by a logic of operational positioning. The Horn of Africa is no longer a peripheral theatre but has become a central junction where Middle East, Africa and global power competitions intersect. By formalising ties with Somaliland, Israel seeks strategic depth in a maritime system defined by Houthi attacks and the near blockade of the Suez Canal for Israel-flagged cargo. Israel’s move confirms that the Red Sea increasingly shifted from a commercial corridor into an integrated security continuum.

From the Israeli perspective, this move is a cornerstone of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategic pivot to Africa. By increasingly prioritizing the continent as a diplomatic and security arena, Israel seeks to expand its support within international institutions and counter Iranian influence along vital maritime corridors. However, this recognition also reflects Netanyahu’s need for legitimacy. As Netanyahu faces significant diplomatic isolation since the war in Gaza, the recognition serves as a relatively low-cost manoeuvre to project continued statecraft capacity and regional relevance. Somaliland offers a level of geography, reliability, flexibility and manoeuvrability that is currently difficult to find elsewhere. Its unrecognised status allows Israel to establish a foothold without the full baggage of conventional state-to-state constraints. As Somalia takes its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council in February 2026, the region enters a volatile phase marked by intensified competitive geopolitics in the Horn of Africa.

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Somaliland Defense Minister Meets UK Military Delegation in Hargeisa

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA – The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon. Mohamed Yusuf Ali, on Thursday received a United Kingdom military delegation at his office in the capital.

The delegation was led by Colonel Ben Ramsay OBE, the UK Defence Attaché, and included Colonel Richard Grover. The team is currently in Somaliland on an official working visit.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas including security, defense, military training, and the professional development of the armed forces. The Minister and the UK officials underscored the importance of continued collaboration between Somaliland and the United Kingdom, particularly with regard to regional peace and stability.

Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali expressed his gratitude to the UK delegation for their visit and acknowledged the United Kingdom’s longstanding support for the Republic of Somaliland, especially in the areas of military capacity-building and strengthening security institutions.

In response, the UK delegation thanked the Minister for his warm hospitality and commended the significant progress Somaliland has made in security sector reform, military development, and the maintenance of stability.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Somaliland and the UK government.

‎Senior Ethiopian Military Officers Visit Sanaag Region, Puntland Reports Neutralization of Turkey & Egypt-Funded Groups

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

‎By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
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‎Badhan – Senior officers from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have visited the Sanaag region as part of a high-level military and diplomatic mission. The delegation, which traveled to Badhan district and other parts of the region, was accompanied by officials from the Puntland government.
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‎The visit included a tour of the Gen Giriin Training Center in Badhan district, a key military academy that has produced multiple cohorts of Puntland’s elite Darawish forces over the past years.
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‎High-Level Delegation
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‎The Ethiopian team was led by the Consul of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Puntland, Major General Tagesse Lambamo Dimbore, alongside other senior Ethiopian military officers. They were hosted by a Puntland delegation headed by Mohamed Abdirahman Dhabancad, advisor to the President of Puntland, as well as other officers from the Puntland Defense Forces.
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‎Briefing on Operations and Foreign Interference
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‎During the visit, Puntland officials provided briefings on the difficult and arduous operations undertaken by the Darawish forces during the recent Calmiskad operation. Significantly, Puntland reported that groups funded by Turkey and Egypt — which had been actively working to undermine stability and create insecurity in the area — have now been successfully dealt with and neutralized.
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‎These foreign-backed elements are believed to have funneled resources to local militias, insurgents, or spoilers aiming to destabilize Puntland’s territory. By neutralizing these threats, Puntland has removed a major obstacle to regional security.
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‎Trilateral Cooperation: Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Puntland
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‎In a significant development, Ethiopian military officials confirmed ongoing trilateral security coordination involving Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Puntland. This emerging axis is focused on countering what the three parties describe as destabilizing interventions by extra-regional powers—specifically Turkey and Egypt.
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‎According to sources familiar with the talks, the three parties have established a joint intelligence-sharing mechanism and are conducting coordinated patrols along key strategic zones in Sanaag and adjacent regions. This cooperation has intensified following repeated allegations that Turkish and Egyptian agents have been arming and funding local militias to undermine the territorial integrity of both Somaliland and Puntland, while simultaneously challenging Ethiopian strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
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‎Threat of a Turkish Naval Base in Las Qorey
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‎A central concern raised during the briefings was the alleged Turkish plan to establish a permanent naval base in the coastal town of Las Qorey, located in the Sanaag region. Puntland officials presented intelligence indicating that Turkish military advisers had surveyed the area in recent months, with the apparent goal of creating a forward operating base that would extend Ankara’s naval footprint along the Gulf of Aden.
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‎Ethiopian and Somaliland intelligence corroborated these reports, warning that such a base would:
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‎· Provide direct military support to anti-Puntland and anti-Somaliland insurgent groups.
‎· Threaten international shipping lanes and undermine regional stability.
‎· Serve as a staging point for Turkish-projected power into the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, directly challenging Ethiopian access to vital sea lanes.
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‎The trilateral partners have reportedly agreed on a series of measures to counter this threat, including enhanced coastal surveillance, joint rapid-response deployments, and diplomatic efforts to rally regional opposition to any foreign military installation in Sanaag without local consent.
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‎Demonstrating Capability and Requesting Support
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‎By announcing that foreign-backed groups have been “dealt with,” Puntland projects military strength and justifies its independent security partnerships outside of Mogadishu’s direct control. At the same time, Puntland officials highlighted the forces’ ongoing need for quality training. This request serves as a diplomatic lever to secure increased Ethiopian military aid, intelligence sharing, and formal training programs for the Darawish forces.
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‎Somaliland, which maintains its own separate security arrangements, has also signaled willingness to host Ethiopian military trainers and logistical hubs in its territory, further cementing the Addis Ababa–Hargeisa–Garowe axis.
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‎Geopolitical Alignment: A Clear Counter to Turkish-Egyptian Influence
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‎The visit underscores a clear alignment between Puntland, Somaliland, and Ethiopia against Turkish and Egyptian influence in the Horn of Africa. This is notable because Turkey maintains close ties with Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu, including operating a major military base there. Meanwhile, Egypt has recently deepened its relations with Somalia’s federal authorities and other regional states.
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‎Puntland’s public statement—echoed by Somaliland officials—implies that both Ankara and Cairo are viewed as destabilizing actors whose activities threaten the security and autonomy of northern Somali territories. The trilateral cooperation framework is now seen as the most formidable counterbalance to this external interference, with Ethiopia leveraging its military and diplomatic weight to protect its Red Sea access interests while bolstering its allies on the Somali coast.

‎WADDANI Party Leader Affirms Commitment to Women’s Political Participation, Confirms No Formal Quota Agreement with Rival Parties

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

‎By Jama Ayaanle Feyte

‎The Chairman of the ruling  WADDANI Party, Mr. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, has clearly articulated his party’s position on women’s political participation, stressing that no formal agreement has yet been reached between WADDANI, KULMIYE, and KAAH regarding a quota for women.

‎While acknowledging that the quota issue still requires broader political consensus, the Chairman affirmed that WADDANI is open to any agreement the other parties ultimately reach.

‎He also revealed that his party has developed a dedicated strategy to support female candidates, ensuring they have a genuine opportunity to contest in elections. He further pledged that his party would not make promises to the public that it cannot deliver.

“Regarding women, I am not aware of any instance where KULMIYE and KAAH have approached us with a specific quota they are willing to agree upon. Let me be clear: whatever consensus the parties reach, WADDANI is ready to accept. We have prepared our own plan to facilitate women’s candidacy, and we will field a reasonable number that we can genuinely support. We will not mislead anyone. But we are determined to see women enter these councils today,” said Mr. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, Chairman of the ruling  WADDANI Party.

US Lawmaker Calls for ‘Full Recognition of Somaliland’ Following Israel

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

A US lawmaker from Tennessee now running for governor hopes that legislation he filed this month can lead to the United States following Israel in recognizing Somaliland, which has sought global support in breaking away from Somalia in the Horn of Africa for more than 30 years, as an independent and sovereign state.

In an exclusive interview with The Algemeiner, Rep. John Rose, a Republican who serves on the House Financial Services Committee, said that following outreach from Somaliland representatives, he and his team “started digging in deeper and ultimately decided that the cause of Somaliland was meritorious.”

“We think it’s in the best interest of the United States to develop a stronger relationship and to provide a path forward for what I would ultimately hope might be a full recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation,” he added.

Israel in December became the first country to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland.

Noting the Jewish state’s decision, Rose said that he had “looked on with interest as both Israel and Taiwan have recognized Somaliland, and we think that it makes good sense because of the geopolitics and the demonstrated history of Somaliland in terms of its democratic institutions and its attempt to join the community of nations.”

Unlike most states in its region, Somaliland has relative security, regular elections, and a degree of political stability.

Filed on March 19, the Somaliland Economic Access and Opportunity Act would require the Treasury Department to submit a detailed report to the House Financial Services Committee and to the Senate Banking Committee outlining the challenges Somaliland faces in accessing the financial system. Co-sponsors of the bill include Republican Reps. Andrew Ogles (TN), Pat Harrigan (NC) and Addison McDowell (NC).

“So, what is the lay of the landscape? We want them to tell us that,” Rose explained to The Algemeiner. “And how would Somaliland — [with] its lack of broad international recognition — how does that affect its financial access? What is Somaliland’s current compliance with international banking norms, things like customer and anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing standards, other regulatory expectations of where are they and where do they need to get to be?”

Identifying numerous questions his bill would address, Rose asked, “What steps could we take as a government to facilitate responsible financial access? And how can we use our voice as a nation and our vote on international financial institutions to facilitate success for Somaliland? What steps would it take to incorporate Somaliland into the SWIFT [Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication] financial messaging and payment system which would really up their game in terms of what they could hope to accomplish?”

Founded in 1973, the SWIFT system connects more than 11,000 financial institutions around the globe, enabling quick transfers of funds.

Israel’s special envoy for water issues, Ambassador Rony Yedidia Clein, center, stands with Somaliland’s director-general at the Ministry of Water Development, Aden Abdela Abdule, second from the right, and other officials at a waste treatment facility in Israel, Feb. 25, 2025. Photo: Screenshot

Rose discussed Somaliland’s geopolitical importance and counter-terrorism role, calling the region “one of the most dangerous areas and along one of the most important sea lanes in the world.” He described partnering with Somaliland as “an opportunity to provide a way to respond to and answer what Beijing is doing in the Horn of Africa.”

Somaliland, which has claimed independence for decades in East Africa but remains largely unrecognized, is situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden and bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the south and east. It has sought to break off from Somalia since 1991 and utilized its own passports, currency, military, and law enforcement.

China has set up its only overseas military base in Djibouti, opening in August 2017 and capable of housing 10,000 troops. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has also invested in Djibouti’s Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, which the China State Engineering Corporation financed and built, propelling an average growth of 6-7 percent in the nation’s GDP. China acts as Djibouti’s banker, holding 70 percent of the African country’s $1.4 billion in external debt.

In December, China announced its opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserting that “no country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests.”

However, Rose noted that Somaliland is a “functioning democracy” that has the potential to be a partner of the US.

“I think it’s also an important element that this is a relatively well-functioning democracy, and we think the United States should encourage that,” he said, “We’re not proposing that we get ahead of ourselves; we just think that we should acknowledge the efforts the Somalilanders have made and try to facilitate their ascension into the community of nations.”

For those skeptical of the US potentially supporting the breaking up an African country, Rose urged people to look closer.

“You have to understand the deep history” and grasp how Somaliland “came to be part of Somalia and how the hope and promise for a united Somalia was very quickly cut short,” the lawmaker said.

“Italian Somalia took over and reneged essentially on the promise of a peaceful Somalia, and so I think if you understand that and then realize that for 35 years Somaliland has been trying to assert its independence and has essentially maintained geographic integrity over that period of time. And I think this is a lot less controversial,” Rose added.

To explain to his constituents why they should be concerned about Somaliland, Rose pointed to how “so much of the world’s commerce passes through the Gulf of Aden and you want that to be peaceful. Obviously, it is a treacherous place in terms of piracy.”

Identifying the foreign threats in the region, Rose added, “When you consider the geopolitics as it relates to China and nearby Yemen, then you know that, we need — and it is in the interest of the United States — to develop peaceful relationships with the countries that are demonstrating the right path forward in terms of embracing democracy and freedom and peace.”

On Saturday, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, a US-designated terrorist group, joined the war with Iran and launched a missile attack against Israel. Senior Houthi official Mohammed Mansour also threatened to shut down maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a 70-mile-long chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. In 2023, analysts estimated that 12 percent of the seaborne oil trade and 8 percent of the liquefied natural gas trade flowed through the corridor between Yemen and Djibouti.

The Strait of Hormuz “is the bigger oil shock point, but Bab el-Mandeb is the broader trade shock point,” said Nayeem Noor, vice president for business development at GMS, one of the world’s largest buyers of ships. “As the southern gateway to the Red Sea and Suez corridor, any serious threat there affects not only tankers but also container services, breakbulk, dry cargo movements, vessel availability, insurance, war risk premiums, and overall voyage economics on the Asia-Europe route.”

Somaliland also has significant mineral resources, and officials have said they are willing to offer the US a strategic military base at the entrance to the Red Sea and critical minerals as part of a deal that would include formal recognition.

Rose saw larger implications for his bill and the US’s engagement with Somaliland, saying it could provide “a blueprint, or a roadmap for how other nations that want to be peace loving and want to develop their economies, about how that could happen.”

“I think seeing Somaliland succeed is really what motivates me and knowing their earnestness for doing so and the struggle that they’ve had,” he added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar meets with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on Jan. 6, 2026. Photo: Screenshot

The Abraham Accords, a series of Arab-Israeli normalization agreements started in 2020, loomed over the Israel-Somaliland diplomacy, as the move represented further progress in reconciliation between the Jewish and Muslim worlds.

“I think this does fit that mold,” Rose said. “And I think is another example of how countries that want to embrace peace and want to cultivate meaningful relationships and particularly economic relationships, I think it makes great sense. So, I do see this as fitting in a piece that fits into that larger puzzle.”

Regarding how domestic politics could shape Somaliland recognition, Rose expressed optimism about the potential for a bipartisan attitude among his colleagues in the House.

“Well, I think it’s a little early to tell, but I think there should be bipartisanship on this,” Rose told The Algemeiner. “I don’t think there’s any real political angle here that ought to cause either side to wince at this or be concerned about it or use it as a dividing line. I think it makes good sense for the United States, and I think it should make good sense on a bipartisan basis.”

Rose added, “There’s just a whole array of reasons that this makes good sense for the country, and I think it’s something we can do without compromising American interest.”

Discussing a personal connection to the region, Rose described meeting African students during his college years studying in West Lafayette, Indiana.

“I got a master’s degree in agricultural economics at Purdue University in the late ’80s, and a number of good friends were from that area of Africa — from Somalia, Ethiopia, the Sudan,” Rose said. “There was a lot of outreach from Purdue and other similar programs to try to assist. And so, I had a number of fellow students that I got to know and had good relationships with and worked with extensively from that region of the world.”

Rose said he came to understand and know about “some of the challenges that they face. So, I think there is a real opportunity to lift Somaliland in that regard and create a success story there for their independence and ability to feed themselves, all those things that that area and region of the world need to continue to advance.”

Source: The Algemeiner

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