Washington (SLpost)- Tibor Nagy, a former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, has highlighted Somaliland’s growing strategic importance and said Hargeisa could play a significant role in Washington’s policy toward the Horn of Africa.
Speaking at a meeting jointly organized by BFF and the Hudson Institute, Nagy pointed to Somaliland’s political development, security record, democratic institutions and market-oriented economy as factors that could make it a valuable strategic partner for the United States.
He also emphasized Somaliland’s strategic location and the importance of Berbera Port and Berbera Airport, as well as Somaliland’s cooperation with Taiwan and its role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
Nagy said Somaliland has achieved significant progress largely through its own efforts despite limited international support, while identifying the lack of formal international recognition as a major obstacle.
A prominent American voice supportive of Somaliland’s recognition, Nagy called on Washington to recognize the Republic of Somaliland, arguing that doing so would serve broader U.S. strategic interests and regional security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
His remarks come ahead of an expected visit to the United States by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” in early September. If the visit proceeds as planned, it could provide Hargeisa with an opportunity to engage U.S. officials and policymakers on Somaliland’s strategic role, particularly regarding Berbera, Red Sea security, counterterrorism, trade and regional cooperation.
Nagy has emerged as one of the American diplomatic figures who has consistently argued that Somaliland deserves greater attention from Washington. His extensive experience in African affairs, including his tenure as U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia, has given him particular insight into the political and security dynamics of the Horn of Africa.
Over the years, he has publicly highlighted Somaliland’s stability, democratic development and strategic location, while advocating for a reassessment of U.S. policy toward Hargeisa. His latest remarks reinforce his position that Somaliland’s lack of international recognition should not prevent Washington from developing closer strategic ties with Hargeisa.
Reporting by Somalilandpost News
