Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, has formally called on President Donald Trump to recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state.
In a letter sent to the White House today, Cruz emphasized Somaliland’s strategic importance as a U.S. ally in the Horn of Africa, citing its democratic governance, security contributions, and alignment with American interests.
“I write to urge your Administration to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, with sovereignty within its 1960 borders,” Cruz wrote to the White House.
A Key U.S. Partner in a Critical Region
Senator Cruz emphasized Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden—adjacent to one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors—and its contributions to regional counterterrorism and anti‑piracy operations.
“Somaliland has emerged as a critical security and diplomatic partner for the United States, helping America advance our national security interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond,” Cruz wrote. “It possesses capable armed forces, has enabled the opening of a Taiwanese Representative Office in Hargeisa, sought to strengthen ties with Israel, and voiced support for the Abraham Accords.”
The senator also pointed to Somaliland’s willingness to host a U.S. military presence and engage in critical minerals agreements to bolster supply chain resilience.
RELEASE: Sen. Cruz Calls for U.S. Recognition of Somaliland https://t.co/3OgJoxSpjJ pic.twitter.com/95gnwt7oPj
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) August 14, 2025
Growing Threats from Adversaries
Cruz warned that Somaliland faces increasing pressure from adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which he accused of using economic and diplomatic coercion to punish Somaliland for its ties with Taiwan.
“The CCP is using economic and diplomatic coercion to punish Somaliland for its support for Taiwan, as well as to undermine that support,” Cruz stated. He also noted that Somalia, with Chinese backing, has taken steps to isolate Somaliland, including barring Taiwanese passport holders from transiting into the territory.
“Chinese support to Somalia is benefiting anti-Somaliland groups working to erode its sovereignty,” the letter stated.
Despite these challenges, Cruz stressed that Somaliland remains committed to deepening its partnership with the U.S. in military cooperation, counterterrorism, and trade.
In the letter, Cruz also highlighted Somaliland’s stability and democratic record since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. “It has held several peaceful elections since 2003, marked by strong voter turnout and peaceful transitions of power,” he wrote, asserting that the territory has functioned as “a stable, self‑governing, democratic nation.”
A Call for Formal Recognition
Arguing that recognition would strengthen U.S. national security, Cruz urged the Trump administration to take decisive action.
“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,” he wrote, offering his assistance: “As always, I stand ready to provide you with whatever resources and support you require in helping to secure this goal.”
Somaliland Officials Welcome Cruz’s Support
Somaliland’s leaders have welcomed Senator Cruz’s advocacy, expressing gratitude for his endorsement of their decades-long pursuit of international recognition.
Mohamed Hussein Rambo, one of Somaliland’s most prominent lawmakers, praised Cruz’s letter, stating, “We warmly welcome and extend our sincere thanks to Senator Ted Cruz for his principled call for U.S. recognition of Somaliland, a nation that has upheld peace, democracy, and partnership for more than three decades. Recognition is not a gift; it is an acknowledgment of a reality that already exists.”
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Adam, also voiced appreciation, saying, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to Senator Cruz for his unwavering support for Somaliland’s recognition. His deep understanding of Somaliland’s strategic importance—our role in regional security, maritime trade, and critical minerals—underscores what we offer to the U.S. and the world.”
Somaliland, formerly a British protectorate, gained independence on June 26, 1960, and secured recognition from over 30 countries before uniting with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. The hasty union lacked formal ratification, resulting in the political and economic marginalization of Somaliland. In the 1980s, northern discontent erupted into conflict with Siad Barre’s regime, marked by the Isaaq genocide—a campaign of mass killings and destruction targeting cities like Hargeisa and Burao, prompting Somalilanders to again seek independence.
Following Barre’s regime collapse in 1991, Somaliland declared itself a republic within its original colonial borders and began developing democratic institutions, though it still lacks widespread international recognition. The U.S. decision on this matter could reshape geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
Senator Cruz’s letter marks a significant push for U.S. engagement, framing recognition as a strategic move to counter Chinese influence and bolster a democratic ally in a volatile region.
As the Trump administration weighs this historic decision, the call for recognition has drawn attention to Somaliland’s stability and its potential as a key U.S. partner in the Horn of Africa.
“The United States now has a historic opportunity to lead by example,” MP Rambo asserted.
With bipartisan support growing in Congress, the question now rests with the White House: Will the U.S. formally recognize Somaliland as Africa’s newest sovereign state?
Click here to read the full letter.
