United States Hails Somaliland Election as “Impressive,” Signals Possible Recognition

United States seems to be changing policy towards Somaliland

Borkena

Toronto – Following the announcement of Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullahi as the winner of Somaliland’s election, the United States has praised the process as “impressive,” signaling that Somaliland may soon be recognized as an independent state.

This statement was issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, which still considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory, despite Somaliland’s de facto independence for over three decades.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy stated:

“The United States congratulates the people of Somaliland on their recent election and PRESIDENT-ELECT @Abdirahmanirro on his election. Somaliland’s impressive record of elections and peaceful transfers of power is a model for the region and beyond.”

For decades, the United States has adhered to a “One Somalia” policy, which helps explain its reluctance to recognize Somaliland, despite the latter’s longstanding autonomy.

However, recent remarks from former U.S. diplomats seems to suggest that the election marks a significant step in Somaliland’s push for international recognition.

Tibor Nagy, a former U.S. Under Secretary of State For Africa, commented on X:

“Somaliland had successful elections, and the opposition actually won! How unlikely are these events in many countries, especially the second?! They deserve all the applause they’re getting – including from the US Govt. I hear teeth gnashing in Mogadishu!”

Herman Cohen, another former U.S. Under Secretary of State, added:

“The victory of opposition leader Abdullah in Somaliland’s presidential election will lead to an agreement allowing Ethiopia access to the Berbera port on the Gulf of Aden, providing an alternative to Djibouti, which is increasingly unstable.”

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also officially congratulated Somaliland’s president-elect on Tuesday.

Somalia has opposed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January, which allows Ethiopia to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of coastal land  for 50 years. In response, Somalia has forged political and military alliances with Egypt and Eritrea.

Should the U.S. recognize Somaliland, it may also signal support for the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement.

Somalia’s recent alliances have focused on defending its sovereignty and its goal of reintegrating Somaliland. It remains unclear how its allies would react if Somaliland were formally recognized as an independent state.

Turkey, a regional player with its largest military base in Somalia outside of Turkey, has acted as a mediator, but Somaliland has expressed reservations about Turkey’s involvement.

With the ongoing developments, it seems increasingly likely that Somaliland could soon achieve international recognition as an independent state. If that happens, it will certainly have implications to the Horn of Africa region.

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