Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), the president of the Republic of Somaliland, arrived in the United States for an official working visit. The visit aims to advance Somaliland’s international identity, promote investment in its critical resources, and develop diplomatic and security ties. Even though the U.S. does not yet recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, Secretary of State Marco Rubio should nonetheless meet with Irro.

In an era of contemporary ideological competition, the United States should court African nations that advance democracy. The Horn of Africa (HOA) is one of the main theaters of modern great power competition, especially regarding the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab Strait. Somaliland is the only democratic country in the HOA, hosting nine multiparty elections: four presidential elections (2003, 2010, 2017, 2024); three local council elections (2002, 2012, 2021); and two parliamentary elections (2005, 2021).