By Eng. Mohamed Ali Mirreh
On behalf of Northeast state communities

The Honorable Members of the United States Senate, 

We write to you with deep concern regarding the recent letter by Senator Ted Cruz urging the U.S. Administration to grant formal recognition to the self-declared “Republic of Somaliland.”

As members of the very communities affected by this issue, we wish to emphasize that Senator Cruz’s position is based on a misrepresentation of historical, political, and legal realities. Recognizing Somaliland as an independent state would not only contradict international law but also jeopardize peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Historical and Legal Realities

Somaliland has never existed as a sovereign state. While it briefly attained independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, it voluntarily united with the former Italian-administered South just four days later to form the Somali Republic on July 1, 1960. No state formally recognized Somaliland during that interim, as its sovereignty ceased with the act of union.

International law—and the 1964 Cairo Declaration of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now reaffirmed by the African Union—upholds Somalia’s territorial integrity based on colonial-era borders. Recognizing Somaliland would undermine this principle, risking a cascade of separatist claims across Africa.

Political and Social Realities
Somaliland is often portrayed as a monolithic entity, yet this is inaccurate. Several major clans—including the Dhulbahante, Warsangeli, Gadabuursi, and Issa—have consistently rejected the Isaq-led secessionist project. This opposition has manifested on the ground:

1) In 2023, the communities of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) successfully resisted Somaliland’s forces and reasserted their autonomy under the Khatumo State administration. These areas, together with Makhir, have since united as the Northern East (NE) Federal State, aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia.

2) Concurrently, communities in the Awdal region are advancing efforts to establish an Awdal State within Somalia’s federal system, further demonstrating rejection of unilateral secession.

Security and Regional Stability

Senator Cruz argues that Somaliland could serve as a reliable U.S. security partner. However, endorsing a single clan-based entity of contested legitimacy would fracture Somalia, embolden extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS, and destabilize the wider region. Far from advancing U.S. security interests, unilateral recognition would create the very instability adversaries seek to exploit.

International Consensus

No country in the world has recognized Somaliland as independent. The United Nations, African Union, Arab League, European Union, and the United States all affirm Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any deviation from this consensus risks isolating the U.S. diplomatically while emboldening secessionist movements worldwide.

Our Appeal

We therefore respectfully urge the U.S. Senate to reject calls for unilateral recognition of Somaliland. Instead, we encourage support for a path rooted in inclusive federalism, national reconciliation, and the strengthening of Somali state institutions. This approach—consistent with international law and global consensus—offers the best chance of securing peace, stability, and long-term partnership in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. 

We, as Somalis and stakeholders committed to unity, security, and regional stability, stand firmly with the international community—and with the United States—in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. 

Respectfully, 
Eng Mohamed Ali Mirreh,
On behalf of NE state communities
Former chairman of NSUM(Northern Somali unionist Movement) 
Email: m.mmirreh@gmail.com