Wednesday August 20, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Larry
André has urged Washington to tread carefully on the question of Somaliland
recognition, warning that unilateral moves could destabilize the Horn of Africa
and damage U.S. relations in the region.
André said the region faces multiple internal and interstate
conflicts, making any hasty decision on Somaliland’s status “a threat to
regional stability and the future of Somalia.” He advised that the U.S. avoid
acting alone, instead consulting with neighbors Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and
Uganda, along with the African Union, before taking any steps.
The former envoy outlined possible U.S. approaches: maintain
the status quo, or open a diplomatic office in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa,
while keeping the embassy in Mogadishu. He favored the latter, calling it a
“middle ground” that would allow Washington to encourage dialogue between
Hargeisa and Mogadishu while advancing U.S. diplomatic interests.
Unilateral recognition of Somaliland, André cautioned, could
alienate many Somalis who support unity and risk fueling clan-based tensions.
While he acknowledged that Somaliland enjoys relative stability and stronger
governance than much of Somalia, he stressed that this “cannot replace the need
for a lasting, negotiated settlement.”
He pointed to Puntland, another semi-autonomous Somali
region, as an example of security and development achieved without breaking
away from the federal system. For Somalia and the wider Horn, he said, future
success depends on two critical fronts: reconciling with Somaliland and
defeating al-Shabab insurgents still controlling territory.
Talks between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, mediated at different
times by Turkey and Djibouti, have so far produced little progress on whether
Somaliland will remain part of Somalia or seek recognized independence.