President Trump has rightly said that Somaliland is "a totally different country" than Somalia. That is exactly the correct policy. It is long past time for the U.S. to recognize Somaliland.
Today I questioned the nominee to be Ambassador to Somalia to confirm that he agrees President Trump's position. He declined to do so.
I told him that whether he is confirmed or not will depend on whether the State Department follows the President's guidance.
Thank you @SenTedCruz for your simple but powerful statement: “Somaliland is not Somalia.”
✅ Self-governed since 1991
✅ Multiple democratic elections
✅ Peaceful transfer of power
✅ Close ties with Taiwan
✅ China opposes Somaliland's independence
✅ Recognizes Israel
✅ Offers the U.S. favorable diplomatic, economic & security partnerships
🚨 BREAKING: “Somaliland is not Somalia.” — Senator Ted Cruz.
Somaliland’s case advanced in Washington today, November 10, as @SenTedCruz brought that powerful distinction into the Senate nomination hearing for Devin Kennington, the nominee for U.S. ambassador to Somalia, according to the clip shared by Somaliland’s Mission USA.
The setting matters: Somaliland’s case is being raised directly with the diplomat nominated to lead American relations with Mogadishu. Washington must engage Somaliland on its own merits.
Somaliland has spent decades building democratic institutions, holding competitive elections and delivering peaceful transfers of power. Its ties with Taiwan, relations with Israel and strategic position along the Gulf of Aden strengthen its case as a valuable American partner.
Cruz’s intervention builds on his calls for formal recognition and a separate travel advisory sustained pressure to translate support for Somaliland into American policy.
Somaliland’s cause continues to advance within the institutions shaping U.S. foreign policy. Its people have built the foundations. Washington should now match that achievement with meaningful diplomatic action.
⚡️Senator @SenTedCruz has called on the State Department @StateDept to follow President @POTUS’s lead and formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland.
“We should prioritize those who are partners of the United States and our allies. These are the partners we should reward.”
Stand with those who stand with America.
🇺🇸🤝
Somaliland’s case deserves more than a passing mention. When former diplomats with deep experience in Africa call for recognition, the right response is a serious discussion, not silence.
I am honoured to receive the Letters of Credence of H.E. Mr. Michael Lotem, the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel @Israel to the Republic of Somaliland, marking a historic milestone in our diplomatic relations.
As the first Ambassador accredited to Somaliland by a United Nations Member State, his appointment heralds a new chapter in Israel–Somaliland relations, founded on mutual respect, friendship, and a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership.
L’ambassadeur d’Israël au Somaliland, Michael Lotem, a présenté la semaine dernière ses lettres de créance au président @Abdirahmanirro, lors d’une cérémonie historique au palais présidentiel de Hargeisa.
Cette cérémonie marque une nouvelle étape importante dans le renforcement des relations entre Israël et le Somaliland, après leur reconnaissance mutuelle le 26 décembre 2025.
Depuis, les liens entre les deux pays n’ont cessé de se développer. Le ministre des Affaires étrangères @gidonsaar a effectué une visite historique au Somaliland en janvier 2026, tandis que le Somaliland a inauguré son ambassade à Jérusalem lors de la visite du président Abdullahi en Israël, en juin 2026.
À l’issue de la présentation des lettres de créance, une cérémonie de pose de la première pierre de la future ambassade d’Israël à Hargeisa s’est également tenue.
Le ministre des Affaires étrangères @gidonsaar a déclaré :
« Israël est déterminé à développer et à renforcer ses relations avec le Somaliland.
La nomination d’ambassadeurs, conformément à l’accord conclu lors de l’établissement de notre reconnaissance mutuelle, constitue une nouvelle étape importante dans l’approfondissement des liens entre nos deux pays. »
@IsraelMFA@somalilandmfa
UK's @SDoughtyMP stood up for Somaliland in opposition.
Now he’s in government.
Also Britain recognised Palestine without Israel’s consent.
Why should Somaliland need Somalia’s?
Mr Doughty, uphold your record.
No country gets a veto.
https://t.co/4JZuLobjRt
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), received the credentials of H.E. Michael Lotem, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Somaliland, at the Presidential Palace.
This historic occasion marks a new chapter in Somaliland–Israel relations, translating diplomatic recognition into formal diplomatic representation.
It opens a new era of bilateral engagement, strategic partnership and cooperation, founded on mutual respect and shared interests, with a commitment to advancing peace, security and prosperity.
#Somaliland #Israel #DiplomaticRelations
Israel’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi last week in a historic ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The ceremony marks another important step in strengthening relations between Israel and Somaliland, following their mutual recognition on December 26, 2025.
Since then, ties between the two countries have continued to develop. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made a historic visit to Somaliland in January 2026, while Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem during President Abdullahi’s visit to Israel in June 2026.
Following the presentation of credentials, a cornerstone-laying ceremony was held for Israel’s new embassy in Hargeisa.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said:
“Israel is determined to develop and strengthen its relations with Somaliland.
“The appointment of ambassadors, in accordance with the agreement reached when our countries established mutual recognition, is another important step in deepening the ties between us.”
🇲🇦🇸🇴 On exige que la @Somali fasse tout de suite un referundum d'autodétermination.
Le peuple du @somalilandmfa a le droit à l'autodétermination et à l'independance! 😁
🇲🇦 As a Moroccan, I proudly stand with Somaliland and fully support its right to exist and prosper as an independent nation. I hope and wish that the Kingdom of Morocco will soon stand beside Somaliland and officially recognize this country.
#Somaliland#RecognizeSomaliland #Morocco #SomalilandRecognition #HornOfAfrica #FreeSomaliland #MoroccoSupportsSomaliland #SomalilandIndependence #Africa #PeaceInAfrica #israel #uae #usa
The UAE believes that true partnerships are built through actions, not just words. Our development projects in Somaliland reflect our commitment to supporting progress, creating opportunities, and building a better future for local communities. This is the UAE’s approach: cooperation, mutual respect, and lasting prosperity. 🇦🇪🤝
#UAE #Somaliland #Development #Partnership