WASHINGTON (SD) – The Embassy of Somalia in the United States has expressed concerns over the pressure it faces regarding Somaliland’s recognition push, arguing that such a move could ’embolden terrorist groups to exploit the opportunity’ and fuel their activities.

“Any policy that harms Somalia’s independence will only provoke extremism and will endanger the overall stability of the Horn of Africa,” the statement said.

The embassy’s remarks come at a time when Congressman Ted Cruz, a member of the Republican Party in the U.S. and one of the most influential Senators, sent a letter to the U.S. President calling on him to recognize Somaliland.

In this letter, the Senator discussed matters including Somaliland’s history, The importance of its strategic location, The relationship between the U.S. and Somaliland and the benefits within it, Somaliland’s democracy and the elections it has successfully conducted.

Somalia has similarly opposed Ethiopia’s recent announcement that it would recognize Somaliland.