WASHINGTON, United States –A group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced new legislation recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation, reviving debate over U.S. policy in the Horn of Africa amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and heightened regional competition.

The Republic of Somaliland Independence Act, introduced Thursday by Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA), calls for formal U.S. recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared republic operated separately from Somalia since 1991. The bill is co-sponsored by Republican Representatives Andy Ogles (TN), Pat Harrigan (NC), and Tom Tiffany (WI).

Arguments for recognition

Supporters of the bill argue that Somaliland’s geographic location—along the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—gives it strategic value for maritime security and global trade. They also highlight the region’s stability, democratic governance, and willingness to cooperate on counterterrorism and military access.

“Somaliland has demonstrated the kind of governance, stability, and cooperation that the United States should support,” said Perry in a statement.

Representative Harrigan added that Somaliland has offered U.S. forces access to a key port, saying, “That’s what a real partner looks like, and it’s time we treated them like one.”

Somaliland unilaterally declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali central government. It has since maintained separate institutions, held regular elections, and provided internal security while remaining unrecognized by the international community.

Somalia’s federal government continues to claim sovereignty over the region. Representative Tiffany called those claims “meritless” and argued they hinder the U.S. from engaging more deeply with what he described as a functional and cooperative administration.

“It is a simple fact that Somaliland is a sovereign and self-governing nation separate from Somalia, and U.S. policy should reflect that,” Tiffany said.

Past efforts and lobbying concerns

Perry has been a vocal proponent of Somaliland’s recognition for some time. However, his renewed push comes amid scrutiny over lobbying influence. Some Republican lawmakers backing the bill have ties to lobbying firms that reportedly receive millions of dollars from Somaliland, raising questions about the motivations behind the effort.

Critics suggest the legislation may be aimed as much at satisfying lobbyists as reshaping foreign policy. Nevertheless, in the U.S. political system, members of Congress frequently take independent stances on both foreign and domestic issues.

“The U.S. Congress, executive branch, and judiciary are separate and co-equal institutions,” a Washington-based analyst noted. “There are 535 members of Congress, and it’s common for lawmakers to express a wide range of views. Their positions may not necessarily reflect official government policy.”

U.S. government position unchanged

The Trump administration has not commented on the bill. However, current U.S. foreign policy remains aligned with international consensus, recognizing Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The United States recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia within its 1960 borders by the Somali provisional constitution,” a State Department spokesperson said. “This includes Somaliland and Puntland.”

The African Union and United Nations also support Somalia’s unity, and past efforts to mediate between Mogadishu and Hargeisa have failed to resolve the status issue.

The bill also reflects broader U.S. concerns about rising Chinese and Iranian influence in Africa. Somaliland has cultivated close ties with Taiwan and rejected engagement with Beijing—moves that resonate with lawmakers focused on countering China’s global expansion.

“Somaliland has built strong ties with Taiwan and refused to bow to the Chinese Communist Party,” said Harrigan. Ogles added that enhancing ties with partners like Somaliland “is more important than ever” as global competition intensifies.

The bill must pass through committee review before the full House of Representatives can consider it. Its prospects in the Senate are uncertain, and any recognition of Somaliland would ultimately require action by the executive branch.

While the legislation is unlikely to become law without broader political and diplomatic backing, it marks a symbolic step in Somaliland’s long-standing campaign for international recognition.

“Somaliland is a stable, democratic, and reliable partner in East Africa,” said Ogles. “I support their pursuit of independence and look forward to building a strong partnership.”