By Adam Daud Ahmed
As conflict in the Red Sea escalates—fueled by tensions between the United States and Yemen’s Houthi rebels—the world’s attention is focused on the turbulent but strategically vital Horn of Africa. Amidst this volatility, one emerging actor stands out, offering stability, democratic governance, and geopolitical significance: Somaliland.
Still seeking international recognition, Somaliland has demonstrated its reliability in a region where stability is in short supply. Now, as changing security dynamics unfold, Somaliland finds itself poised to take advantage of its strategic position.
Somaliland’s location along the Gulf of Aden, guarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, places it at the crossroads of global trade and security concerns. With more than 850 kilometers of coastline, it holds a key role in safeguarding one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.
In a region where instability is rampant, Somaliland’s stability and independence offer an attractive alternative for international partners—particularly the United States—seeking to counterbalance rising threats in the Red Sea.
Revitalized through ambitious investment by DP World, the Port of Berbera has quickly become a central hub for East Africa’s logistical network, especially benefiting landlocked Ethiopia. Unlike other regional ports, Berbera remains free of Chinese influence, positioning it as a valuable asset for global shipping, humanitarian access, and commercial investment.
With additional support from Western allies, Berbera has the potential to become one of the most strategically important logistical bases in the region.
Somaliland’s contribution to regional security cannot be overlooked. Despite a lack of heavy weaponry, it boasts a well-trained coast guard, a capable police force, and a proven track record of repelling extremist incursions without relying on foreign troops.
With further U.S. support, Somaliland could transform Berbera into a crucial base for counterterrorism operations, naval monitoring, and intelligence sharing, reinforcing both local and regional stability.
In stark contrast to the authoritarian regimes or failed states in the region, Somaliland has maintained a robust democratic system for over thirty years. Regular elections, peaceful transfers of power, and decentralized governance highlight the resilience and political maturity of the Somaliland people.
This political culture, rooted in local ownership and traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, has allowed Somaliland to maintain stability despite limited resources and the lack of international recognition.
Somaliland’s long-standing diplomatic goal of international recognition may be within reach, with recent movements in the U.S. Congress signaling a potential breakthrough. The Republic of Somaliland Independence Act aims to formalize Somaliland’s status as an independent state and foster stronger diplomatic ties.
While the bill’s passage is uncertain, its introduction places Somaliland firmly on Washington’s radar, highlighting its growing geostrategic importance in the Horn of Africa.
The crises unfolding across the Red Sea and the wider Middle East underscore the necessity for new international alliances based on shared interests and mutual respect. Somaliland is uniquely positioned to meet these demands, offering stability, democracy, and a strategic location in a region marked by instability.
For the United States and its allies, the time to act is now. By recognizing Somaliland’s reality, global powers can secure long-term access to a reliable partner in a region where instability has long been the norm. Somaliland has already proven its worth—it is time for the world to recognize it.
Adam Daud Ahmed is a political security Analyst in the Horn of Africa.
