Why U.S. Recognition of Somaliland Aligns with Strategic Interests

The author points out that Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland sparked a diplomatic uproar, with the Arab League, African Union, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry and numerous Middle-Eastern governments denouncing the move as illegal. He argues that the backlash is driven more by geopolitics than by principle, and that U.S. interests in the region—particularly a deep-water port at Berbera, an adjacent airstrip, and the need to counter Houthi and IRGC threats in the Red Sea—make recognition advantageous.

Somaliland has maintained functional institutions, achieved a peaceful opposition-led election in 2024, and seeks U.S. military and economic ties while avoiding Chinese involvement. In contrast, Somalia continues to struggle with al-Shabab, piracy and links to Yemen’s Houthis. Recent visits by senior U.S. Africa Command officers to Hargeisa underscore Washington’s growing security focus. The column concludes that U.S. recognition, even if it angers allies like Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, would strengthen American leverage in a volatile region.