A U.S. Congressional Delegation, facilitated by the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) and the Global American Institute, has arrived in Somaliland. This visit is being seen as a significant step in the United States’ efforts to strengthen its relationship with Somaliland. The delegation’s visit indicates a potential reassessment of American interests in the Horn of Africa and explores the possibility of establishing a U.S. military base in, Berbera, Somaliland.
The delegation, which includes members of Congress and senior congressional staff, aim to enhance dialogue and advance U.S. strategic interests in the region. The presence of the HDI and the Global American Institute underscores the importance of this mission. The visit comes at a time when the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is rapidly evolving, with increasing Chinese influence and ongoing conflicts, such as the Houthi attacks on the Red Sea.
This initiative aligns with broader United States strategies to counteract Chinese expansion and reinforce its alliances in strategically significant regions. The US has been interested in establishing a military base in Somaliland.
Somaliland is internationally recognized part of Somalia but it wants recognition as a country. For the last three decades, it has been operating as a largely independent entity. It is locked into a dispute with Somalia over an MoU signed by Somaliland and Ethiopia in January this year.
The Memorandum of Understanding, if implemented, would give landlocked Ethiopia access to sea through Somaliland in return for Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland as a country. Somalia calls the MoU a violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Somaliland’s case for recognition has gained new importance due to the ongoing tension in the Red Sea between Houthi Yemeni fighters and Western naval forces. US and Western Naval assets are planning a long stay in the region. Russia is also deploying its navy to the Red Sea.
Somaliland govt officials say that due to Somaliland’s strategic location and current security security situation in the region, Somaliland is in a position to get international recognition.
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