Report to Congress on
Potential Areas for Improved United States Engagement with
Somaliland
Section 7019(e) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related
Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (Div. F, P.L. 119-75) and House Report
119-217
This report examines potential areas for improved United States engagement with
Somaliland. The United States recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which includes the region of Somaliland.
Within that framework, the United States maintains a positive, constructive
relationship with Somaliland and continues to explore additional opportunities for
engagement with Somaliland authorities.
1. Security Cooperation
The Horn of Africa’s security environment remains complex, with ongoing
violent extremist threats and regional disputes. Somaliland’s strategic
location near Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab Strait positions it as a potential
partner on shared security interests, including freedom of commercial and
military navigation from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. It is also
geographically positioned to potentially assist with efforts to monitor and
counter violent extremist organizations, particularly connections between
Houthi terrorists and al-Shabaab, al-Qa’ida’s largest and wealthiest affiliate.
UNCLASSIFIED
Somaliland authorities have encouraged U.S. investment in minerals and
outlined priorities in infrastructure, trade, and economic growth.
Somaliland’s ports represent potential alternatives to other congested
regional facilities. The ongoing development of the Berbera airport and
seaports into a trade and transportation hub for Somaliland and landlocked
Ethiopia could create increased opportunities for U.S. investment
infrastructure, exports, and other commercial opportunities. However,
regional security concerns and the dispute over Somaliland’s status,
including its refusal to cooperate with national authorities, present
challenges for investment, banking, and trade.
AFRICOM has regular engagements with Somaliland authorities and is
exploring areas for potential cooperation.
2. Diplomatic Engagement
Embassy Mogadishu conducts regular, periodic visits to Somaliland to
engage on matters of mutual interest, including security cooperation,
humanitarian assistance, and economic issues. U.S. government travel to
Somaliland is subject to the same security requirements as the rest of
Somalia, necessitating the use of non-commercial aircraft and other
resource intensive security measures. Embassy Mogadishu coordinates
closely with AFRICOM to take advantage of U.S. military resources where
available.
3. Trade and Investment
