Republican leaders in the U.S. Congress are urgently advocating for the State Department to revise its travel guidance, specifically urging a clear distinction between Somaliland and Somalia. Congressmen John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, penned a letter to the Secretary of State, emphasizing that such a move would bolster American security, investment opportunities, and diplomatic initiatives across the strategically vital Horn of Africa region. They argue that publishing a separate travel advisory for Somaliland is a "concrete and immediately actionable" step that would significantly enhance international perceptions of Somaliland's stability, unlock U.S. business prospects, and reinforce efforts to counter China's escalating influence in the area.

Currently, the United States enforces a blanket "Do Not Travel" advisory for Somalia, a policy that Moolenaar and Smith contend unfairly penalizes Somaliland. They highlight Somaliland's remarkable and consistent track record of peace and democratic governance, starkly contrasting it with its southern neighbor. Unlike Somalia, Somaliland has successfully held successive competitive elections, established robust and functioning security institutions, and effectively maintained control over its territory, thereby preventing terrorism, piracy, and smuggling within its borders and waters. The lawmakers assert that U.S. policy must genuinely reflect these "realities on the ground," noting that "Strengthening cooperation with Somaliland is a productive step in advancing America's security and diplomatic objectives in the region."

The push to acknowledge Somaliland's distinct stability is not isolated. Congressman Smith referenced progress initiated under the Trump administration, stating that "The Trump Administration and Secretary Rubio have already made significant strides in strengthening the U.S.-Somaliland relationship – the United States can continue to nurture this partnership with a separate and more accurate travel advisory, which accords with the stable situation on the ground." This sentiment echoes Senator Ted Cruz's (R-TX) recent call for President Trump to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, citing its democratic credentials, stable society, and deepening ties with Western nations and Israel. Cruz posited that official recognition would solidify Somaliland's role as a crucial U.S. ally in an increasingly volatile region where both China and Iran are rapidly expanding their influence.

Furthermore, the congressional leaders point to existing precedents within the State Department's practices, which already offer region-specific travel advisories for countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. They contend that a similar nuanced approach for Somaliland would not only encourage U.S. investment in its rich natural resources, including critical minerals such as lithium and copper, but also directly counteract Beijing's growing dominance along the strategic Red Sea corridor. Moolenaar and Smith issued a stark warning regarding China's expanding military and intelligence footprint in the Horn of Africa, particularly referencing its military base in Djibouti and its alleged complicity in facilitating Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea. They underscored the necessity for the United States to "strengthen relationships with stable, democratic partners in the region to push back against malign Chinese influence."

The letter also brought attention to Somaliland's burgeoning partnerships with other democratic allies. Notably, its cooperation with Taiwan spans healthcare, infrastructure development, and maritime security initiatives. Additionally, Somaliland has demonstrated support for Israel, aligning with the Abraham Accords. The lawmakers highlighted the U.S. Development Finance Corporation's expressed interest in collaborating with Taiwan to finance mineral projects in Somaliland, underscoring the territory's considerable strategic value. "The Department should take this opportunity to demonstrate tangible support for Somaliland, whose democratic commitments and security cooperation align closely with U.S. interests," the letter concluded.

Speaking to Breitbart News, Congressman Moolenaar further elaborated on the practical implications of such a policy shift. He stated, "From combatting piracy to hosting a Taiwanese Representative Office in its capital, Somaliland has shown its commitment to the United States as both a friend and security partner." He emphasized that "Establishing a more official U.S. presence in Somaliland would give the United States an important foothold to monitor and counter Beijing's ever-growing presence in the region that ultimately undermines the safety of Americans at home." For both Moolenaar and Smith, implementing a distinct travel advisory for Somaliland represents an immediate and impactful step that would redefine international perception, stimulate commerce and investment, and unequivocally signal strong U.S. commitment to a democratic ally situated in a geopolitically crucial part of the Horn of Africa.