Hornpost
Washington (Hornpost) Sen. Ted Cruz elevated Somaliland in a high-profile Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, arguing it’s a strategic asset the U.S. can’t afford to overlook especially in securing a key global maritime chokepoint. The senator, speaking to the House of Representatives on the African Maritime Security Initiative, specifically mentioned Somaliland’s record on protecting the Gulf of Aden, combating piracy, and keeping China out of the region.
Read here all his speech on Somaliland:
“Uh, Miss Nardi, Somaliland is a critical US maritime security partner in Africa. It sits along
the Gulf of Aiden near one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, and its forces actively
contribute to counterterrorism and antipiracy missions. Somaliland stands with our allies, including Taiwan and Israel, and aligns with US interests in a region where China is aggressively
expanding. Somali Land has offered the United States a military basing agreement and a critical minerals partnership. They are willing to work with us to counter China’s malign influence and terrorist networks. This is the kind of partner we should be encouraging and one that will shape how we confront maritime security challenges across the continent. Earlier this year, I sent a letter to President Trump urging formal recognition of Somaliland.
Unsurprisingly, the Chinese Communist Party immediately condemned that letter,
which only underscores how strategically important Somaliland is to US national security.
What tools and partnerships could the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement employ to help the United States deepen cooperation with Somaliland to advance our common maritime security and law enforcement interest, especially against threats facing the Horn of Africa.” Senator Cruz said
Response to Senator Cruz information on Somaliland:
Maggie Nardi – Deputy Assistant Secretary Director of Global Policy and Programs, Africa and the Middle East · Experience: U.S. Department of State, chairing this meeting response to senator Cruz report about Somaliland Importance and said
“Thank you, Senator, for that question. uh INL does not currently have any uh active
programming in Somali land and our focus in the Horn of Africa is in general maritime security.
Uh I mentioned the center of excellence that we are working with Djibouti to establish which will cover that region.
And then a little bit further south uh we have worked with Somalia in the past and Djibouti on uh maritime vessel boarding and investigations. Uh but those programs are coming to an end. Um we certainly can review capabilities. We would begin any program with an assessment of needs. Um and we would work in close cooperation with the Africa Bureau and the State Department to determine their priorities uh for Somaliland. Thank you.”
Watch the speech of Senator Ted Cruz on Somaliland is an important ally of the United States here
Prepared by
Hornpost staff Reporter
