Urgent Call to Uphold Somalia’s Unity and Territorial Integrity, Justice, and the Rule of Law in Our Time

Dear Honourable Members of Congress and Esteemed Officials of the White House,

In an era where the political arena often resembles a theatrical performance, we find ourselves observing a curious ensemble of figures, including Senators Ted Cruz, Peter J. Pham, and the ambitious Gavin Williamson. These individuals appear to be unwitting participants in a farcical narrative, their actions serving as a commentary on the influence of foreign lobbying, specifically, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other powerful lobby, on American interests. The portrayal of the United States as a clumsy giant overshadowed by a financially formidable desert kingdom raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of United States of America`s values and priorities. The acceptance of financial incentives by prominent political figures raises profound ethical questions about the alignment of foreign interests with the fundamental principles of American governance.

As representatives of the Awdal State Movement, we advocate for the people of Awdal, the Salal regions, and the Gabiley District in northern Somalia. We are compelled to express our grave concerns regarding Senator Cruz’s recent correspondence to President Donald Trump, dated August 14, 2025. In this letter, Senator Cruz endorses the recognition of “Hargeisa SNM,” a self-declared entity that fundamentally undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. This endorsement not only contradicts established U.S. foreign policy but also contravenes the principles upheld by the African Union and various United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including:

– UNSCR 2563 (2021)

– UNSCR 2767 (2024)

– UNSCR 2776 (2025)

These resolutions collectively reaffirm the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Somalia. The African Union has consistently emphasized the necessity of preserving the territorial integrity of African states, asserting that all nations, including Somalia, must remain unified to promote peace, stability, and development. Recognizing a tribal regime such as Hargeisa-SNM would not only destabilize the region but also set a perilous precedent for separatist movements across the African continent.

1. Historical Context

Somalia is a nation defined by a singular ethnic identity (Somali), sharing a common language and religion. Prior to the collapse of the military regime in 1991, Somalia was a developing country, producing and exporting a variety of goods, including rice, pasta, sugar, cigarettes, canned foods, cement, and fruits such as bananas and mangoes. The nation is composed of 18 regions, each corresponding to major Somali tribes alongside various minority groups. 

In the wake of prolonged turmoil, including conflicts among warlords and the emergence of Al-Shabab, a federal system was implemented in Somalia. This system aimed to empower tribes discontented with governmental policies in regional governance. Regrettably, certain regional leaders, swayed by foreign interests, have manipulated the federal framework, acting as proxies for external influences.

2. The Question of Legitimacy Surrounding “Hargeisa-SNM”

The argument against the legitimacy of the so-called “Somaliland” project is predicated on several critical points:

a) Lack of Representation: “Hargeisa-SNM” does not represent a singular region populated by a monolithic Somali group; rather, it encompasses five regions (Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed) and the newly established North-eastern State of Somalia, created on July 30, 2025. This area is home to four major Somali tribes (Dhulbahante, Gadaboursi, Isaaq, and Warsangeli) along with various minority tribes.

b) Rejection of Secession: The Dhulbahante, Warsangeli alongside other minority tribes in the Sanaag and Sool regions who are now Woqooyi Bari, have unequivocally rejected the secessionist agenda, opting instead for integration within the federal government of Somalia.

c) Advocacy for Unity: The Awdal region, inhabited by the Gadaboursi and other minority tribes, firmly opposes the secessionist movement and champions the principles of unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty for Somalia and are in the process of integrating within the federal government of Somalia.

3. The United States as a Proponent of the Rule of Law

Historically, the United States has championed Somalia’s unity and stability, aligning its foreign policy with the aspirations of the Somali people for peace and reconciliation. The endorsement of a separatist entity (Hargeisa-SNM) stands in stark contrast to this long-held commitment and poses a risk to the progress achieved during the Trump administration in restoring the United States’ reputation as a responsible global leader. A fragmented Somalia would likely exacerbate conflict and humanitarian crises, directly undermining U.S. interests in the region.

Moreover, we are aware of individuals within the administration who may be susceptible to the influence of powerful lobbies advocating for the tribal regime in Hargeisa, driven by personal financial gain, and disregarding the broader implications for regional stability. Senator Cruz, alongside a select group of individuals in the U.S. and U.K. (including Dr. J. Peter Pham and Gavin Williamson), as well as major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Bloomberg, NBC, NPR, and Axios, appears to exploit this situation for personal profit, endangering the integrity of the Somali state and jeopardizing President Trump’s legacy as a leader committed to justice, peace, and stability.

The ramifications of Senator Cruz’s proposal could potentially incite civil unrest not only in Africa but also in Europe. Will Senator Cruz and his supporters be prepared to extend recognition to other groups with legitimate claims, such as the Basque and Catalan in Spain and France, the Scottish and Irish in the U.K., Corsica in France, the Flemish in Belgium, the Tigray, Amhara, Somalis, and Afar in Ethiopia, the Somalis in Kenya, the Afar in Djibouti, the Kurdish in Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, Kashmir in India, or the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka?

Is the United States prepared to recognize every tribal group worldwide as a sovereign nation? Consider the profound implications of such a precedent.

In light of these urgent considerations, we join the chorus of Somalis who have expressed their profound concern regarding this matter. We urge the United States Congress and the White House to categorically reject any proposals that seek to legitimize the recognition of Hargeisa-SNM. Instead, we implore you to reaffirm your commitment to the sovereignty of Somalia, supporting a unified nation that respects the rights and identities of all its citizens. Upholding Somalia’s unity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for regional and global stability.

We stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue to foster peace and reconciliation among all Somali communities. Our collective future hinges on our ability to transcend tribal divisions and collaboratively build a brighter and more secure Somalia.

We look forward to your support in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Sincerely,
Dr Ali Bahar
Awdal State Movement