British MP Sir Gavin Williamson has renewed calls for the United States to recognize Somaliland following his accusations that the Somali government has misused USAID funds to support Al-Shabaab militants.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) , Williamson welcomed the US decision to suspend USAID funding, claiming that Somali authorities were channeling funds to the militant group.
“The Somali government is using USAID to fund and support Al-Shabaab. It’s time US taxpayers’ dollars stopped being used to support this terrorist-supporting government,” he wrote.
Williamson also commented on the recent US airstrikes targeting ISIS militants in Puntland, commending the move and calling for a shift in US policy.
“Somalia, through Al-Shabaab, has been sending arms and resources to the Houthis. Donald Trump was right to strike Somalia. Now is the time to recognize Somaliland, the one democratic nation in the region, and stop propping up the terrorist-supporting Mogadishu regime with US dollars,” he added.
However, Hiiraan Online could not independently verify Williamson’s allegations regarding the Somali government’s involvement in funding Al-Shabaab and the Houthis in Yemen.
The US military strikes, which occurred on Saturday in the Golis Mountains, killed several ISIS operatives. The Somali president’s office said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was informed of the airstrike, and he wrote on X that he extended his deepest gratitude for “the unwavering support of the United States in our shared fight against terrorism.”
“Your bold and decisive leadership, Mr. President, in counterterrorism efforts is highly valued and welcomed in Somalia.
Williamson, a Conservative Party MP, has long advocated for Somaliland’s recognition, frequently raising the issue in the UK Parliament. He has also visited Hargeisa several times during his tenure as the UK’s Defense Secretary.
