Washignton (SLpost)- Somaliland is positioning itself as a potential strategic partner for the United States as Washington confronts China’s expanding economic, diplomatic and military influence across Africa, according to an in-depth report by POLITICO’s Phelim Kine.
The report examines growing calls in Washington for closer U.S.-Somaliland engagement, particularly because of Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, its relative stability and the commercial and strategic potential of Berbera Port.
Somaliland officials have presented Hargeisa to U.S. policymakers as a potential regional partner that could offer an alternative to China’s growing presence in the Horn of Africa. The territory has also emphasized its decision to establish relations with Taiwan in 2020, a move that angered Beijing and reinforced Somaliland’s positioning as a partner aligned with democratic governments and market economies.
A major element of Somaliland’s strategic appeal is Berbera, where Dubai-based DP World has invested heavily in developing a modern container terminal. Its location on the Gulf of Aden gives the port potential importance for maritime security, trade and wider U.S. strategic interests in East Africa and the Middle East.
The issue has attracted interest on Capitol Hill. According to POLITICO, a U.S. congressional staff delegation recently visited Somaliland, including representatives associated with several senior lawmakers. The visit was described by Somaliland-related sources as the highest-level American delegation to the territory in more than a decade.
Piero Tozzi, a senior foreign policy adviser to Rep. Chris Smith, argued that Somaliland’s strategic significance is increasing as China expands its influence across Africa. He called for Washington to engage more directly with Hargeisa rather than conducting its relationship with Somaliland exclusively through Mogadishu.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen has also expressed support for deeper U.S. engagement with Somaliland, particularly because of the potential strategic value of Berbera Port. He has suggested that Washington could consider establishing a diplomatic presence in Somaliland and potentially expanding security cooperation.
Somaliland’s delegation has reportedly held discussions with officials from the U.S. Department of Defense, State Department, National Security Council and USAID. Somaliland officials said those discussions included a proposal to establish a framework for U.S.-Somaliland cooperation, potentially including a U.S. presence in the territory and a role for Somaliland in facilitating regional development assistance.
However, U.S. officials have maintained a cautious position. The State Department, Defense Department and USAID expressed willingness to explore areas of mutual interest but reiterated Washington’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and called for a mutually acceptable resolution to Somaliland’s political status.
The report also highlights Somaliland’s relationship with Taiwan as an important component of its foreign policy strategy. Since establishing bilateral relations with Taiwan in 2020, Somaliland has received cooperation in areas including agriculture, health, education, energy and investment.
For Somaliland, the partnership with Taiwan serves both economic and diplomatic purposes. Officials in Hargeisa argue that the two sides share an interest in maintaining democratic systems and resisting excessive dependence on authoritarian powers.
The growing U.S.-China rivalry in Africa has given Somaliland an opportunity to strengthen its case for greater international engagement. China has dramatically expanded its economic footprint across the continent through infrastructure projects, trade and investment, while also developing a military presence in Djibouti and pursuing additional strategic opportunities elsewhere in Africa.
Tibor Nagy, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and former ambassador to Ethiopia, told POLITICO that Somaliland has a strong case for greater diplomatic recognition, although he acknowledged that concerns within the African Union over separatism and territorial fragmentation remain significant obstacles.
Nagy also argued that the United States has been slow to recognize the scale of China’s strategic expansion in Africa, suggesting that Washington is now attempting to catch up.
For Somaliland, the emerging debate represents a potentially significant shift. Rather than presenting its case solely around historical, political and legal arguments for recognition, Hargeisa is increasingly emphasizing its strategic geography, maritime access, security cooperation, democratic institutions and alignment with U.S. interests.
The central question for Washington, however, remains whether it is prepared to translate growing strategic interest in Somaliland into a substantially deeper political and diplomatic relationship—particularly as competition with China intensifies across the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region.
