Somaliland and the U.S.

U.S. relations with Somaliland date back to Somaliland’s declaration of independence from the United Kingdom in June 1960, which prompted former U.S. Secretary of State Christian A. Herter to formally congratulate the country. In his letter to the Council of Ministers of Somaliland, Secretary Herter wrote: “I extend my best wishes and congratulations on the achievement of your independence. This is a noteworthy milestone in your history, and it is with pleasure that I send my warmest regards on this happy occasion.”

In the decades since, Somaliland has focused on building its relationship with the United States through continuous engagement with senior U.S. officials and ongoing dialogue with key American stakeholders. Somaliland’s strategic location and position as a regional model for democracy, peace and stability make it a critical partner for the United States.

Today, Somaliland-U.S. relations are grounded in promoting democratic, economic and social development in Somaliland. U.S. government agencies like USAID provide critical support to the country, and Somaliland has regularly welcomed election observers from the United States – most recently to witness its free and fair 2017 presidential election.

Bilateral relations are strengthened through regular engagement between top-ranking officials in Somaliland the United States, including a historic 2008 visit to Hargeisa by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer, the most senior U.S. official to visit Somaliland. Somaliland’s former President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo was received by U.S. officials in Washington in 2013, with numerous visits to the U.S. by senior Somaliland officials in the intervening years. In 2019, President Muse Bihi Abdi has welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto and top USAID officials to Hargeisa to “set the stage for deeper collaboration between Somaliland and the U.S. in areas of security and investment.”

Somaliland’s collaborative relationship with the U.S. extends to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and think tanks as well. The International Republican Institute (IRI), a premier nongovernmental democracy-development organization, has worked with Somalilanders since 2002 to develop an inclusive and representative democratic system.