In the three decades since declaring its independence following the fall of the Siad Barre regime, the breakaway region of Somalia is benefiting from a convergence of regional developments that have boosted its popularity among US policymakers. Somaliland is thus banking on growing US support to make its case for eventual diplomatic recognition.
Somaliland will be dispatching its new foreign minister, Essa Kayd, to Washington shortly before Thanksgiving (25 November), The Africa Report has learned.
The trip comes as a bevy of former US officials – including at least three former top Africa officers at the State Department – and a key member of Congress have come out in support of deepening US ties with Hargeisa.
READ MORE Somaliland’s new Cold War diplomacy
