Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi hosted U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley and Major General Brian T. Cashman, the Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, at the presidential palace in Hargeisa on Tuesday. The meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration and exploring avenues for partnership in the Horn of Africa.
President Bihi expressed his administration’s dedication to peace and security, describing the visit as a milestone in fostering relations with the United States. Ambassador Riley and General Cashman praised Somaliland for its recent peaceful and democratic election, applauding both outgoing President Bihi and President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro.
Discussions also highlighted the strategic importance of Berbera, a modernized port city along the Gulf of Aden, pivotal in regional trade and logistics. AFRICOM’s interest in Berbera has sparked speculation about potential U.S. military engagement, particularly as part of Washington’s efforts to counter regional threats and rival influences in the Red Sea area.
As previously reported by The Wall Africa Journal, global powers have increasingly turned their attention to Somaliland’s strategic location. Recent visits and phone calls to the region reflect efforts to engage with the newly elected leadership. Just days ago, we highlighted that Israel is among the states eyeing Somaliland for strategic purposes.
Various global and regional powers are attempting to establish ties with Somaliland, yet its lack of international recognition and its status as part of Somalia remain significant obstacles. International law does not permit direct diplomatic relations with Somaliland, and the Federal Republic of Somalia insists on being the official channel for any engagement with the region.