Somaliland, Pro-Western Partially Recognized State on Horn of Africa, Dives Into American Politics With Wild X Account

An X account linked to the Republic of Somaliland is wading into American politics with cheeky posts including some encouraging Congress to formally recognize its independence after a longtime split from Somalia. The account also appears to be trying to curry favor with the White House with posts attacking Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. After Ms. Omar — a Somali native — called President Trump “unhinged” for calling Somalia a “third-world, maybe a fourth-world nation,” the account posted that Ms. Omar needed to be careful about what she said. “Might be time to talk extradition,” the X account posted.Another post shows a meme of Ms. Omar’s face in the middle of a bullseye with Mr. Trump aiming a slingshot at her. Behind the president is a large bomb. The caption reads: “We’re going to launch it — and it’s going to be huge. Believe me.”The former British colony gained its independence in 1960 but quickly made an ill-fated decision to unite with Somalia, which descended into chaos following the overthrow of its dictatorial president, Mohamed Siad Barre, in 1991. Somaliland declared independence later that year and has functioned as a separate democracy since then but has lacked formal recognition.Israel, in December, became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Israel plans to establish a diplomatic presence and share intelligence information. It could also gain access to Somaliland airfields.Israel sent a high-level delegation to Somaliland in January. “We recognize that water supply is a key sector for Somaliland. Therefore, we’re glad to provide our assistance and expertise on this matter. A water expert was already in Somaliland. He conducted a survey on the natural resources and means of delivery,” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said during the visit.Somaliland is now offering the United States access to a base at its strategically located Berbera port in exchange for official recognition, something bitterly opposed by Somalia. It is also promising exclusive access to lithium and other sought-after minerals.The president of Somaliland hosted American and Israeli officials ahead of the Iran conflict. Its port and airfield would give American forces direct access to the Gulf of Aden — a vital waterway between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.Congressman Scott Perry introduced the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act last year but it has gained little traction. The Republic of Somaliland continues to encourage its passage in X posts.The account also highlighted a bill introduced Thursday by Congressman John Rose to require the Treasury to file a report on barriers hindering Somaliland’s access to the American financial system and to recommend ways to remove them.“For 35 years, Somaliland built its own economy, its own currency, central bank, and fiscal discipline,” the Republic of Somaliland posted on its X account on Friday. “Yet we’ve been lumped in with a failed Somalia that wrecked its credit and we’ve been blocked from global banking and international finance.”Senator Ted Cruz is also encouraging Mr. Trump to recognize the republic. “Somaliland remains committed to forging closer ties with the U.S., and is actively engaged in enhancing military cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and economy and trade partnerships,” Mr. Cruz wrote in a letter to the president. “To do so to the greatest effect, and the greatest benefit to American national security interests, it requires the status of a state. I urge you to grant it that recognition.”The Republic of Somaliland X account posted the letter this week with the comment, “Per sources, something is cooking in Washington.”Mr. Perry’s legislation, meanwhile, has languished at the House foreign affairs committee since it was referred there last June.

Somaliland, Pro-Western Partially Recognized State on Horn of Africa, Dives Into American Politics With Wild X Account

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