Unlocking America’s Leverage in the Strategic and Highly Contested Red Sea
Mr. President,
Jan 4, 2025
I write on behalf of the Somaliland American Strategic Advisory Group to urge decisive U.S. action to re- recognize Somaliland and formalize a strategic partnership
Recent developments—including bipartisan congressional initiatives, the African Union’s 2005 fact finding conclusions, and Israel’s recognition of Somaliland—have created a narrow but consequential window to advance American interests in the strategic and highly contested Red Sea corridor and the Horn of Africa.
Bipartisan Congressional Momentum:
Congress has already taken substantive steps on Somaliland policy through bipartisan measures reflecting growing interest in formal ties and strategic cooperation. In the Senate, the Somaliland Partnership Act mandated reporting and feasibility studies and was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship. In the House, the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act (H.R. 3992) has been introduced and referred to committee, signaling additional support for reassessing U.S. policy. Together, these actions demonstrate cross party recognition that U.S. strategy in the Horn of Africa requires new tools and credible partners.
Legal and Historical Justification:
Somaliland became independent before Somalia and possesses more than a century of distinct political history and national identity—76 years under British Protectorate rule, 34 years of self-governance, and only a 30-year union with Somalia marked by violence. It was recognized by 35 nations upon independence in 1960. Its union with Somalia was voluntary and never ratified by a binding treaty. Somaliland’s 1991 withdrawal is supported by international legal principles, including the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and the right to self-determination. (See: “The Case for the Independent Statehood of Somaliland,” American University International Law Review.) In a national referendum, over 89% of Somalilanders voted in favor of independence.
African Union Findings:
The African Union’s 2005 fact finding mission concluded that Somaliland’s political development and governance merited serious consideration, describing its statehood claim as “historically unique and self-justified.” The mission explicitly recommended engagement rather than isolation. This internal AU assessment undercuts claims that recognition would violate regional norms and provides a credible African basis for principled U.S. engagement.
Recent Diplomatic Shift:
Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025 marks the first instance of state level recognition and materially alters the diplomatic landscape. This development creates momentum for allied coordination and practical geopolitical cooperation while increasing the strategic value of timely U.S. leadership to shape outcomes.
Why Now and What to Do:
Somaliland offers secure logistics through the Berbera Port and Air Base, a stable democratic partner in a volatile region, and a geopolitical buffer against malign influence. Recognition and partnership with Somaliland—unlike with Somalia—do not entail open ended nation building. By recognizing Somaliland, the United States can secure a reliable ally, strengthen regional security, and advance long term national interests without the burden of failed aid programs or protracted military engagements. At the same time, the United States would gain basing access, defense cooperation opportunities, and commercial entry into Somaliland’s energy and mineral rich economy.
We recommend the following immediate steps: appoint a Special Envoy to initiate formal talks; direct the Departments of State and Defense to negotiate bilateral agreements on logistics, defense, and security initiatives; and coordinate with Congress to authorize targeted economic investment facilitation with appropriate oversight.
Mr. President, the convergence of congressional momentum, the African Union’s findings, and Israel’s recognition presents a strategic opening the United States should not cede. Acting now would secure U.S. access to a critical maritime chokepoint, expand economic opportunities for American firms, and strengthen a democratic partner in one of the world’s most strategically contested regions. We stand ready to brief your team and support an interagency process to implement these recommendations.
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Respectfully,
IYussuf M. Issa
Somaliland Strategic Advisory Group
Ashburn, Virginia https://slsag.org