A Republican-sponsored resolution seeking formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Scott Perry of Pennsylvania presented the proposal, H.R. 10402, to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on December 12, sparking debate over its potential implications for U.S. foreign policy and Africa’s stability.
The resolution advocates for a shift in U.S. policy to acknowledge Somaliland’s self-declared independence, citing its longstanding stability and democratic governance. Proponents argue that Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has maintained peace, held democratic elections, and established functional institutions, distinguishing it from the rest of Somalia. Perry and other supporters highlight Somaliland’s potential as a reliable partner for the United States in countering growing Chinese and Russian influence in the Horn of Africa.
“For over three decades, Somaliland has proven itself to be a peaceful and functioning democracy,” a senior Republican advisor said, emphasizing the importance of rewarding such achievements. The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a conservative roadmap supported by Trump-aligned Republicans, explicitly supports recognizing Somaliland as a countermeasure to China’s strategic advances in the region.
Despite these arguments, the resolution faces significant opposition. The Somali government has condemned the proposal as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, warning that it could undermine Somalia’s fragile progress and embolden separatist movements across the continent. The African Union (AU) has also expressed concerns, fearing that recognizing Somaliland could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar secessionist claims in regions like Biafra in Nigeria, Ambazonia in Cameroon, and Casamance in Senegal.
The AU’s stance is rooted in its historical commitment to preserving the colonial borders established during the Berlin Conference of 1884-85. These borders, reaffirmed in the 1964 Cairo Declaration, were designed to maintain stability across Africa despite their artificial nature. Analysts warn that breaking this norm could destabilize fragile states dealing with ethnic divisions, governance challenges, and territorial disputes.
From a geopolitical perspective, some U.S. policymakers see Somaliland’s recognition as an opportunity to strengthen American influence in the Horn of Africa. Supporters argue that acknowledging Somaliland could provide Washington with a strategic partner in a region where rival powers are deepening their military and economic ties. However, analysts caution that such a move could alienate key African nations and regional bodies like the AU and IGAD, potentially undermining broader U.S.-Africa relations.
The resolution’s path through Congress remains uncertain. Historically, only a small fraction of bills introduced in Congress—particularly those involving major policy shifts—become law. With the legislative session nearing its end, time constraints and competing priorities, such as budget approvals, further complicate the resolution’s chances of advancing beyond committee review.
This is not Perry’s first attempt to push for Somaliland’s recognition. In March 2022, he introduced the “Republic of Somaliland Independence Act” (H.R. 7170), which similarly sought to authorize the President to recognize Somaliland as an independent country. Like the current resolution, it failed to progress.
As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Horn of Africa, the debate over Somaliland’s recognition underscores the complex interplay between strategic interests, African unity, and international diplomacy. While Perry’s resolution has reignited discussions about Somaliland’s aspirations, its future remains highly uncertain amid significant domestic and international challenges.