MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s government on Friday issued a carefully worded response following U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s call for the formal recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region that has operated autonomously for more than three decades but remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia.
Speaking on Thursday, Senator Cruz, a Republican from Texas, described Somaliland as a key partner of the United States in the Horn of Africa, praising its contributions to counterterrorism, regional security, and economic cooperation. He urged President Donald Trump to grant formal recognition to the territory, arguing that such a move would advance American national security interests and strengthen its posture in a region increasingly influenced by China and other strategic rivals.
“Despite these threats, Somaliland remains committed to forging closer ties with the U.S., and is actively engaged in enhancing military cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and economy and trade partnerships,” Cruz said.
“To do so to the greatest effect, and the greatest benefit to American national security interests, it requires the status of a state. I urge you to grant it that recognition.”
In a restrained reply, the Somali Embassy in Washington reiterated Mogadishu’s longstanding position that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The embassy emphasized Somalia’s cooperation with the United States in counterterrorism operations, noting that over 20 joint missions have been conducted since President Trump returned to office.
It cautioned that actions seen as undermining national cohesion could embolden extremist groups. However, the statement notably avoided direct reference to Senator Cruz by name and lacked the sharper tone used in previous rejections of efforts to recognize Somaliland.
The government’s assertion that Somaliland’s recognition would jeopardize counterterrorism operations – particularly those targeting the Islamic State terror group – has been challenged by regional analysts. Experts point out that such efforts are largely spearheaded by Puntland, a semi-autonomous state in northeastern Somalia, rather than by the federal government in Mogadishu.
“Oddly, Somali ambassador’s only rationale to block Somaliland recognition is CT – especially counter-ISIS coordination with US. Factually, it is the State of Puntland doing the heavy lifting on counter-ISIS without any help from Mogadishu,” Rashid Abdi a Horn of Africa analyst with Sahan Research said.
In southern Somalia, where federal forces are engaged in an ongoing battle against the Al Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab, analysts say the conflict has turned decisively in the militants’ favor.
“In the south, the war against Al-Shabaab appears to be lost as militants seize control of large swathes of territory close to capital,” Abdi added.
The rising momentum in Washington for Somaliland’s recognition, some observers argue, is rooted less in geopolitical strategy than in frustration with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership.
“This is entirely because of the petite Somali dictateur, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Ulusow, who has sadly surrounded himself with those Damuljadiid mediocre(s) whom he could (pre)dominate both intellectually & mentally without expecting any contrary voice within his mafia cartel team,” said prominent Somali historian Mohamed Hajji Ingiriis.
For its part, Somaliland has embraced Cruz’s remarks as a sign of deepening bilateral ties with the United States. In recent weeks, Hargeisa has sought to advance its diplomatic standing by offering mineral exploration deals and security cooperation in exchange for recognition.
The self-declared republic, which maintains its own government, military, and currency, has long argued that its peaceful and democratic governance stands in stark contrast to Somalia’s turbulence. Yet no country has formally recognized its independence since it declared secession from Somalia in 1991.
Still, with growing attention from U.S. lawmakers and a shifting geopolitical landscape, Somaliland’s bid for recognition may be gaining new traction – and Mogadishu’s muted response suggests a cautious recalibration rather than a full-throated defense of the status quo.
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