Foreign Affairs Forum

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What is US, Turkey and EU interest in Somaliland ?

Introduction

The United States, Turkey, and the European Union have various interests in Somaliland, primarily centered around security, geopolitical strategy, and regional stability.

Here’s an overview of their interests:

United States

Trump has shared he would recognize Somaliland as a state.

The US interests in Somaliland include:

Strategic military presence: The US has reportedly expressed interest in using Somaliland’s Berbera port and airfield as a base for countering al-Shabaab and protecting vital maritime routes.

Counterterrorism efforts: Somaliland is seen as a potential partner in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

Geopolitical influence: Some US lawmakers view Somaliland as a potential bulwark against growing Chinese influence in East Africa.

Regional stability: The US engages with Somaliland on matters such as democratization and economic development.

Turkey

Turkey’s interests in Somaliland are primarily focused on:

Diplomatic mediation: Turkey aims to bridge differences between Somalia and Ethiopia by arranging talks between their leaders.

Regional influence: By playing a mediating role, Turkey seeks to enhance its diplomatic presence in the Horn of Africa.

European Union

The EU’s interests in Somaliland encompass:

Security cooperation: The EU has deployed military missions in Somaliland, including maritime collaboration through EU-Navfor Atalanta.

Development and humanitarian aid: The EU provides significant financial support for development projects and humanitarian assistance in Somaliland.

Promotion of democracy and good governance: The EU supports democratization processes and state-building efforts in Somaliland.

Economic interests: The EU aims to protect its commercial interests in the region, particularly regarding maritime trade routes.

Migration management: The EU supports projects aimed at addressing the root causes of migration in Somaliland.

While none of these nations officially recognize Somaliland’s

Conclusion

independence, they maintain various levels of engagement with the region to pursue their strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.