From Fiction to Realpolitik: Why Washington Should Recognize Somaliland
The case for US recognition of Somaliland rests on strategic, economic, and security interests in the Horn of Africa. Supporters argue that Somaliland’s stability, democratic governance, and geographic position make it a valuable partner for a pragmatic, interests-based American foreign policy.
Securing a Critical Maritime Chokepoint
Somaliland controls approximately five hundred miles of coastline along the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. As maritime threats continue to disrupt trade in the Red Sea region, proponents contend that the United States would benefit from a stable partner capable of supporting regional security and protecting commercial transit. Recognition could enable more direct cooperation without relying exclusively on Somalia’s federal government.
Countering China’s Regional Influence
American military operations in East Africa depend heavily on Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. However, Djibouti’s growing economic and military ties to China have raised concerns in Washington. Supporters of recognition view Somaliland as a strategic hedge that could provide the United States with greater flexibility and reduce its dependence on a country increasingly influenced by Beijing.
Economic and Resource Opportunities
Somaliland also presents potential economic value. The territory possesses untapped reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, coltan, and rare earth elements essential to technology and defense supply chains. In addition, the modernized Port of Berbera offers a growing logistics hub that could strengthen trade, investment, and regional connectivity while creating opportunities for US businesses.
Strategic Access to Berbera
A central argument for recognition is access to the Port of Berbera and its adjacent airfield, which includes one of Africa’s longest runways. Somaliland has repeatedly expressed willingness to deepen security cooperation with the United States. Advocates argue that direct access to these facilities would enhance counterterrorism operations, improve logistics, and provide a valuable alternative platform for US activities in the region.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Somaliland has signaled interest in closer partnerships with Western and Middle Eastern allies, including participation in frameworks that promote economic cooperation and regional stability. Supporters argue that stronger ties with Somaliland would contribute to a network of partners aligned against destabilizing influences from Iran and China while reinforcing US interests across East Africa and the Middle East.
The Challenge to the “One Somalia” Policy
Supporters of recognition increasingly argue that the longstanding “One Somalia” policy no longer reflects realities on the ground. They contend that Somaliland has functioned as a self-governing political entity for more than three decades, while Somalia’s federal government continues to struggle with security, governance, and territorial control.
Historical Foundations
Advocates note that Somaliland achieved independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, before voluntarily uniting with the former Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. They argue that the union later collapsed following years of conflict and repression under the Siad Barre regime. From this perspective, Somaliland’s 1991 declaration represented a restoration of its previous sovereignty rather than a secessionist movement.
Three Decades of Self-Governance
Since 1991, Somaliland has built many of the institutions typically associated with statehood. It maintains its own government, security forces, currency, and administrative structures. Supporters also point to its record of competitive elections and peaceful transfers of power as evidence of political stability and democratic development uncommon in much of the region.
The Realpolitik Case
Proponents argue that continued non-recognition limits US strategic options. By treating Somaliland exclusively through Mogadishu, Washington constrains its ability to negotiate security agreements, expand trade, and engage directly with authorities that exercise effective control over the territory.
Recognition, they contend, would reward democratic governance, strengthen American influence in the Horn of Africa, and provide greater flexibility in addressing regional security challenges. It would also offer access to key infrastructure and reinforce a policy based on practical realities rather than diplomatic convention.
Somaliland’s location near major shipping lanes further enhances its value. Access to Berbera could reduce reliance on Djibouti while expanding America’s presence along a corridor that is increasingly important to global commerce and great-power competition.
Israel and Regional Realignment
Supporters also argue that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has altered the diplomatic landscape. In their view, Somaliland’s openness to closer relations with Israel and broader regional cooperation creates opportunities for the United States to deepen partnerships that promote security, trade, and development.
Closer engagement could strengthen efforts to counter maritime threats and regional instability through intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and coordinated investment. It could also help balance growing Chinese influence by expanding Western access to strategic infrastructure and emerging economic opportunities.
For advocates, the combination of Somaliland’s geography, political stability, and willingness to cooperate with Western partners makes it an increasingly attractive strategic partner.
Conclusion
The argument for recognizing Somaliland is grounded in realpolitik. Supporters maintain that Somaliland has demonstrated more than three decades of effective self-government, democratic development, and regional stability while occupying a strategically vital location. From this perspective, US policy should adapt to realities on the ground and pursue closer engagement with a partner that could advance American security, economic, and geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa.
