US Senator urges United States to recognize Somaliland

Following the historic recognition by Israel, Republican Senator Ted Cruz pressures the Trump Administration to have the United States follow the same path. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, has renewed his call on the U.S. government to formally recognize the independence of the Republic of Somaliland. This request comes just a week after Israel’s announcement of recognition of this Somali region as sovereign. “Recognizing Somaliland is not charity, it’s strategy“, wrote on X. “It aligns with the security interests of the United States and the ‘America First’ doctrine, as it strengthens an ally that shares our values in a region vital for world trade and the fight against terrorism“. Thus commented an article from The Hill, which quotes exactly those words. Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia and with its capital in Hargeisa, declared itself independent in 1991, but until the end of December it had not achieved formal recognition from any state. On December 26, Israel became the first country to recognize it, announcing the immediate expansion of its ties with the self-proclaimed republic, as well as the establishment of full diplomatic relations.

You can also read: China opposes Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Somalia’s authorities categorically rejected what they called a “flagrant invasion” by Israel and warned that they would not allow their territory to be used as a base for the Hebrew country to carry out its regional wars. Most African and Arab nations expressed their support for Somalia. Although the United States defended Israel’s right to recognize Somaliland, Trump publicly denied claims that he might follow that step.