Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The lawmakers are urging the U.S. Department of State to differentiate Somaliland from the Federal Republic of Somalia in its travel advisory report.
They argue that this distinction would acknowledge Somaliland’s de facto independence, governance, and democracy, as well as its efforts to counter the People’s Republic of China’s influence in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland has shown support for Taiwan and aligns with U.S. interests in the region.
“Both the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (Select Committee) and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) see this step as consistent with our efforts at countering the PRC’s malign influence in the Horn of Africa and supporting greater international recognition of Taiwan,” Smith and Moolenaar wrote.
The letter also states: “Successive, democratically-elected governments in Somaliland have successfully prevented terrorism, piracy, and smuggling within its borders and created a safe and prosperous society,” adding that a separate travel advisory would better reflect security differences within the region.
Smith noted previous progress: “The Trump Administration and Secretary Rubio have already made significant strides in strengthening the U.S.-Somaliland relationship – the United States can continue to nurture this partnership with a separate and more accurate travel advisory, which accords with the stable situation on the ground.”
He further commented: “The distinction of Somaliland from Somalia wouldn’t just benefit Somalilanders and others in the region – it is also largely advantageous to U.S. companies, investors, and travelers.”
Smith said: “A travel advisory that differentiates Somaliland from the war-torn Somalia would spur future development and growth in the region by encouraging tourism, investment, commerce, and the acquisition of natural resources, such as the critical minerals of lithium and copper.”
He concluded: “Time and time again, Somaliland has proven to be a strong ally and friend to the United States, both through its endeavors to counter PRC influence in the Horn of Africa and its continued support of Taiwan and Israel.”
Chris Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson. He was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953, currently lives in Manchester Township, New Jersey, graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree in 1975.
For more information visit http://chrissmith.house.gov
