WASHINGTON (SD)—Somaliland’s long-running campaign for international recognition has gained fresh support in Washington after US Senator Ted Cruz urged President Donald Trump to take steps toward recognizing Somaliland as an independent country.

During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on November 10, 2026, Cruz told Devin Kennington, Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to Somalia, that Somaliland should be treated differently from Somalia.

Cruz pointed to Somaliland’s own government, competitive elections, and peaceful leadership transitions since it restored its independence in 1991. He said these achievements show that Somaliland has built a separate political system and maintained greater stability than Somalia.

The senator also highlighted Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden. He said its position, relations with Taiwan and efforts to build closer ties with Israel make it an important potential partner for US security and trade in the Horn of Africa.

Cruz has been a strong supporter of Somaliland’s recognition. In August 2025, he wrote to Trump urging the administration to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.

Kennington acknowledged that Somaliland’s political and security situation is different from Somalia’s. He said he would work to strengthen US relations with Hargeisa if confirmed as ambassador. However, he did not promise to support formal recognition.

For Somaliland, the hearing is another opportunity to present its case directly to influential US policymakers. It also highlights the growing argument that Somaliland’s political record and strategic importance deserve a separate approach from Washington.

Somalia’s federal government continues to oppose Somaliland’s independence. However, Somaliland supporters argue that its future should be based on its own political history, institutions and the wishes of its people.

Cruz’s support does not mean the Trump administration has made a decision on recognition. The next challenge for Somaliland is to turn growing support in Washington into concrete action by the White House.