Washington (WDN) – The commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R. Anderson, has firmly dismissed speculation that Washington is preparing to recognize Somaliland, reaffirming that longstanding U.S. policy remains firmly committed to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Speaking on U.S. policy toward the Horn of Africa, General Anderson made it clear that the United States has no plans to alter its position on Somaliland’s status, despite recurring speculation fueled by high-level visits and growing security cooperation with authorities in Hargeisa.
The AFRICOM commander also rejected reports suggesting that the United States intends to establish a military base in Somaliland. He explained that previous visits by AFRICOM officials to Somaliland were conducted solely for security assessments and cooperation discussions and should not be interpreted as evidence of plans for a permanent American military presence or a shift in Washington’s diplomatic policy.
“The visits were related to security cooperation and assessments,” Anderson indicated, emphasizing that they do not signal any intention to establish a U.S. military installation or recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
Reaffirming Washington’s partnership with Mogadishu, Anderson said the United States will continue supporting Somalia’s efforts to strengthen national security, promote stability, and advance long-term development.
He stressed that the United States remains committed to working alongside the Federal Government of Somalia in addressing shared security challenges, particularly the fight against terrorism and efforts to build capable national institutions.
The AFRICOM chief added that the United States stands ready to cooperate with a Somali government committed to tackling security threats while advancing the mutual interests shared by both countries.
Concluding his remarks, General Anderson said the Somali people deserve lasting peace, security, and prosperity. He noted that achieving those goals will ultimately depend on effective leadership from Somalia’s Federal Government, sustained political unity among Somali stakeholders, and the continued support and participation of the Somali people themselves.
Anderson’s comments are likely to be welcomed in Mogadishu, where successive Somali governments have consistently opposed any international recognition of Somaliland’s self-declared independence. His remarks also provide one of the clearest recent reaffirmations that Washington’s official policy toward Somalia remains unchanged despite continued regional speculation over Somaliland’s international status.
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