The United States Senate has unanimously approved the implementation of the Somaliland-US Cooperation Act, which was previously approved by the House of Representatives.
During a session at the US Capitol Hill, members of the Senate approved the Somaliland-US Cooperation Act.
The 100-member US Senate approved the Somaliland Cooperation Act, a new law authorizing direct US cooperation with the Republic of Somaliland.
Senator Bob Mendez, who helped table the bill, refused to answer questions about the Cooperation Act adding that the council would explain the new Somaliland-US partnership agreement, though he did not provide further details.
The Senate decision follows a recent visit to Somaliland by AFRICOM Force Commanders and the US Ambassador to Mogadishu.
The bill, which contains a number of key elements, requires the US Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress on aid to Somaliland and, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, to conduct a study on possible security cooperation with Somaliland.
Although the Committee has not yet released information on the debate on the Somaliland Cooperation Law, it is expected to make significant changes to the Rep of Somaliland’s quest of international recognition and diplomatic endeavors.
It comes just days after it emerged that the US military could gain access to Somaliland’s strategically positioned port and airfield at Berbera, to counter the Islamic extremist rebel group al-Shabab in Somalia.
The US is reportedly courting Somaliland to use its Berbera port as an alternative to its Djibouti military base.
Just over a week ago, General Stephen J. Townsend, head of the US Africa Command (Africom), became the highest-ranking US military official to visit Somaliland since 1991. Townsend, US ambassador to Somalia Larry Andre and other US officials travelled to Berbera where they toured the newly renovated port and airport that US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa assessed last year. US defence department officials also surveyed the facilities last August.
Somaliland united with Somalia a former Italian Colony in 1960 after gaining independence from Britain.
Somaliland regained its independence in 1991 after a civil war, but no country has yet recognized it.