Federal Government Engaging US over Somaliland Recognition Debate, State Minister Says

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia is maintaining regular talks with the United States on its territorial integrity, security and strategic partnership as Mogadishu closely watches renewed debate in Washington over possible changes to U.S. policy towards Somaliland.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ali Mohamed Omar, widely known as Ali Balcad, said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that the Somali government was taking seriously discussions surrounding the possibility of a shift in Washington’s position.

Balcad said Mogadishu was monitoring calls by some members of the U.S. Congress for Washington to reconsider its policy, but stressed the need to distinguish between political lobbying, media speculation and the official position of the U.S. administration.

According to the state minister, the United States continues to recognise the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, including Somaliland, despite pressure from some political figures in Washington for a change in policy.

The Somali government has repeatedly argued that its strategic partnership with the United States is closely linked to shared interests in counterterrorism, maritime security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Balcad said the Trump administration viewed a stable and united Somalia as serving U.S. strategic interests, particularly in the fight against al-Shabaab and efforts to safeguard key maritime routes near the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. has historically recognised Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also maintaining separate engagement with Somaliland. Washington has said the future relationship between Somalia and Somaliland should be resolved through dialogue, although pressure from some members of Congress and other political actors has kept the question on Washington’s political agenda.

Somaliland, which has governed itself since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, has sought international recognition for more than three decades. The issue has gained renewed diplomatic attention amid recent calls by some U.S. lawmakers for Washington to reconsider its longstanding approach. Mogadishu maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Balcad argued that the long-term interests of the United States were better served by supporting a stable and united Somalia rather than encouraging new divisions in the Horn of Africa, a region already facing insecurity and geopolitical tensions.

His remarks come as the future of relations between Washington and Somaliland has returned to political debate in the United States, placing renewed attention on Somalia’s diplomatic efforts to defend its internationally recognised sovereignty and territorial integrity.