Washington (HornPost) Senator Ted Cruz challenges U.S. policy on Somaliland recognition as ambassador nominee Devin Kennington pledges stronger ties with Somaliland.
Senator Ted Cruz Questions U.S. Ambassador Nominee on Somaliland Recognition
Senator Ted Cruz: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Much appreciated.
Mr. Kennington, if confirmed, you will play a crucial role in advancing U.S. interests in the Horn of Africa, including our relationship with Somaliland.
Somaliland sits along the Gulf of Aden, near one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, and plays an important role in regional counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts.
Somaliland also maintains close ties with Taiwan and Israel, the latter of which formally recognized Somaliland in December 2025.
In September, I met with the president of Somaliland to discuss its strategic importance to the United States and opportunities to strengthen our bilateral relationship, including through formal recognition.
I firmly believe that U.S. recognition of Somaliland would advance our national security interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond. I think the facts speak for themselves.
So, let me ask you a few basic yes-or-no questions about Somaliland.
Question 1: Has Somaliland governed itself since 1991?
Devin Kennington: Thank you, Senator. My understanding is yes. The government of Somaliland has effectively governed its territory since 1991.
But I do want to be clear that our current United States policy recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which includes the region of Somaliland.
Senator Ted Cruz: Has Somaliland held multiple democratic elections?
Devin Kennington: Thank you, Senator. I think I’m not in a position to comment on the validity of—
Senator Ted Cruz: I didn’t ask about validity. I asked whether they have held multiple democratic elections.
Devin Kennington: My understanding is yes, Senator. Most recently, they held an election in November 2024, which was subsequently followed by a peaceful transfer of power. But again, I would defer to the people of Somaliland to determine whether—
Senator Ted Cruz: Well, that’s my next question. Has Somaliland experienced peaceful transfers of power, including following the 2024 presidential election?
Devin Kennington: My understanding is yes. There was a peaceful transfer of power following that election in November 2024.
Senator Ted Cruz: Does Somaliland maintain close diplomatic ties with Taiwan?
Devin Kennington: Yes, Senator. To my knowledge, Somaliland does maintain close diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Senator Ted Cruz: Has the communist government of China publicly opposed Somaliland’s independence?
Devin Kennington: Yes, Senator. That is my understanding. China has opposed independence for Somaliland.
Senator Ted Cruz: Has the nation of Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent country?
Devin Kennington: Yes, Senator. My understanding is that Israel has indeed recognized Somaliland as an independent country.
Senator Ted Cruz: Has Somaliland offered the United States favorable diplomatic, economic and security partnerships?
Devin Kennington: I just want to be clear that I think this administration has been very clear that it wants further engagement with Somaliland.
Obviously, I think we recognize that its position on China is favorable to us. There are several commercial and economic opportunities available to us. And, as you noted, I think Somaliland plays a key role in Red Sea security.
From my position, I do believe that we have an interest in enhancing U.S. engagement with Somaliland.
If confirmed, I would continue to engage with Somaliland authorities, including through in-person visits. Of course, I would keep the committee informed.
Senator Ted Cruz: I think the answers to each of those questions tell us a lot about Somaliland and why this relationship matters.
We should prioritize being partners with those who are partners of the United States and our allies. These are the partners we should reward.
In fact, President Trump himself said that Somaliland is a “totally different country” from Somalia.
Do you agree with President Trump?
Devin Kennington: I would say that I recognize the importance of subnational engagement throughout Somalia. Through this kind of engagement, we have the opportunity to advance specific national security, commercial and economic interests.
I would put Somaliland into that category.
Senator Ted Cruz: Okay, let me try that again. Do you agree with President Trump’s statement that Somaliland is a “totally different country” from Somalia?
Devin Kennington: Well, I would say that the conditions on the ground in Hargeisa and Somaliland are certainly very different from those elsewhere throughout Somalia.
Senator Ted Cruz: I think President Trump is exactly right. Somaliland is not Somalia.
The president has made his position clear, and I believe it is time for the United States to formally recognize Somaliland.
Now, despite the president’s clear position, somehow at Foggy Bottom, the State Department has not moved forward with recognition.
What specifically is preventing the State Department from doing so?
Devin Kennington: Senator, I can say that, if confirmed, I would enhance U.S. engagement with Somaliland.
I would continue to engage with Somaliland authorities and continue to visit there.
Senator Ted Cruz: What obstacles, if any, remain to the United States formally recognizing Somaliland as an independent country?
Devin Kennington: Senator, I think from this position I can’t answer that, but I can confirm that—
Senator Ted Cruz: Are there any obstacles? There is a reason you haven’t done it. What obstacles are there?
Devin Kennington: Senator, I think at this point I’m not in a position to answer that. But I can confirm that it is important to U.S. national security, economic and commercial interests that we continue to engage with Somaliland authorities.
If confirmed, I can tell you that I would certainly enhance our relationship with Somaliland.
Senator Ted Cruz: I think the State Department should follow the president’s guidance. And I think your confirmation depends on the State Department following the president’s guidance.
Thank you.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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