Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
U.S. Congressman Introduces Bill to Recognize Somaliland as Independent Nation
In a bold shift in U.S. foreign policy, Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) has introduced the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act, a bill that would formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign and independent state. The proposed legislation seeks to realign U.S. engagement in the Horn of Africa by acknowledging a stable, democratic partner amid growing geopolitical competition in the region.
“For more than three decades, Somaliland has demonstrated the kind of governance, stability, and cooperation that America should support,” said Rep. Perry in a statement. “Foreign adversaries are on the march in Africa and around the globe, and it’s in our national interest to strengthen relationships with reliable partners who share our values and contribute to our security whenever and wherever possible.”
Somaliland, located along the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints has operated as a de facto independent state since 1991. Although it declared independence from Somalia following the collapse of the central government, Somaliland has not yet received formal recognition from any country.
The bill highlights Somaliland’s record of internal order, democratic elections, and counterterrorism cooperation, contrasting sharply with what Perry describes as the instability and fractured governance in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
Several Republican lawmakers have joined Perry in supporting the initiative.
“Somaliland has established itself as a stable, democratic, and reliable partner in East Africa,” said Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN). “As China expands its influence across the globe, strengthening our alliances with free nations like Somaliland is more important than ever.”
Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) called the legislation “smart” and “strategic,” citing Somaliland’s ties with Taiwan and its resistance to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. “They’ve even offered the U.S. military access to a key port in the Gulf of Aden. That’s what a real partner looks like,” Harrigan said.
Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), another early supporter of the bill, emphasized the practical reality on the ground: “It is a simple fact that Somaliland is a sovereign and self-governing nation separate from Somalia, and U.S. policy should reflect that.”
The legislation arrives at a time when the United States is seeking to counter growing influence from China, Iran, and other rivals across the African continent. Advocates of the bill argue that recognizing Somaliland would send a strong signal of U.S. commitment to partners that uphold democratic principles, security cooperation, and regional stability.
The Republic of Somaliland Independence Act is expected to spark debate both in Washington and internationally, particularly as Somalia continues to oppose any formal recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
