WASHINGTON (WDN)–Somaliland is ramping up its international campaign for recognition, with a major diplomatic offensive underway in the United States. Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan, currently in Washington, confirmed that his visit is laying the groundwork for an official trip by Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro scheduled for May.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Abdirahman Dahir said the purpose of his trip is to deepen bilateral ties with the U.S. and advance Somaliland’s longstanding goal of formal recognition as an independent state. “We are in Washington to prepare for high-level meetings that will culminate in a major visit by President Irro,” he said. “The momentum is real. We believe the wait for recognition has significantly shortened.”

The anticipated visit by President Irro is expected to include private meetings with senior U.S. officials and lawmakers. The timing comes as Somaliland’s bid gains increasing traction within conservative circles in Washington, particularly among allies of President Donald Trump. Several bills relating to Somaliland’s recognition have already made their way through congressional committees, adding fuel to speculation that Washington may be inching closer to a historic policy shift.

Still, the push for recognition remains politically sensitive. Analysts caution that Washington must tread carefully, nevertheless, noting the greater the instability and dysfunction in Somalia, the more Somaliland may perceive an opportunity to advance its case for recognition.

Rumors of President Donald Trump administration considering Somaliland as a potential relocation site for displaced Palestinians from Gaza have been firmly denied by Hargeisa. The notion sparked backlash in both Somaliland and the wider Somali political landscape, despite no official confirmation from U.S. authorities.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu continues to oppose any move toward recognizing Somaliland. Somalia’s ambassador to Washington, Dahir Mohamed Arab, dismissed the recognition chatter as premature and unfounded. “There is no U.S. plan to recognize Somaliland as a separate state,” Ambassador Arab said, adding that Somalia has retained a U.S.-based lobbying firm to reinforce ties with Washington.

“The relationship between the United States and Somalia is strong and remains a priority for both nations,” the ambassador emphasized.

While Somaliland presents itself as a stable and democratic partner, the United States has long viewed Somalia as a critical ally in the Horn of Africa—particularly as China and Russia expand their strategic presence in the region. Any shift in policy, they say, would require a careful balancing of competing interests in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

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