President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a significant shift in United States policy toward Africa by recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. This move could provide the United States with a strategic military and economic foothold in the region, countering the growing influence of China and Russia and supporting efforts against Islamist terrorist groups. Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991, is offering the United States access to its port at Berbera and a potential air and sea base near the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor.

Senator Ted Cruz has publicly supported the recognition, emphasizing Somaliland's reliability as an ally and its alignment with United States and global interests. Somaliland's leadership is optimistic about gaining recognition, seeing it as a matter of time. The region's strategic location and resources, including rare earth minerals, have attracted interest from global powers, and United States officials have reportedly engaged in discussions with Somaliland's representatives. However, the official United States position still recognizes Somaliland as part of Somalia, and no formal decision has been announced.