Republican leaders from two key U.S. congressional committees focused on China have urged the State Department to issue a separate travel advisory for Somaliland, distinguishing it from Somalia. They argue that this move would benefit American security, investment, and diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
In a letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and shared with Breitbart News, Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI), chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, called for Washington to provide a specific travel advisory for Somaliland. The lawmakers described this as “concrete and immediately actionable,” stating it would improve international perceptions of Somaliland’s stability, open opportunities for U.S. businesses, and support efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Currently, U.S. travel guidance issues a blanket “Do Not Travel” warning for Somalia. Moolenaar and Smith say this penalizes Somaliland despite its record of peace and democratic governance. Unlike Somalia, they note that Somaliland has held competitive elections, established functioning security institutions, and maintained control over its territory—actions credited with preventing terrorism, piracy, and smuggling.
“Strengthening cooperation with Somaliland is a productive step in advancing America’s security and diplomatic objectives in the region,” wrote Moolenaar and Smith. They stressed that U.S. policy should reflect “realities on the ground.”
Rep. Smith said that such changes would build upon previous progress under former President Trump’s administration: “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 stated.
This request follows Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) recent call for President Trump to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state due to its democratic practices and growing ties with Israel and Western countries. Cruz believes official recognition could establish Somaliland as an important ally in a region where China and Iran are expanding their presence.
Moolenaar and Smith also noted that other African countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Cameroon receive region-specific advisories from the State Department. They argued that similar treatment for Somaliland could promote American investment in critical minerals like lithium and copper while challenging Beijing’s dominance along the Red Sea corridor.
The lawmakers expressed concern about China’s increasing military activity in East Africa—including its base in Djibouti—and alleged involvement supporting Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes. “It is crucial the United States strengthen relationships with stable, democratic partners in the region to push back against malign Chinese influence,” they wrote.
Their letter also pointed out partnerships between Somaliland and democratic allies such as Taiwan—in health care, infrastructure development, maritime security—and Israel through support for agreements like the Abraham Accords. The U.S. Development Finance Corporation has indicated willingness to work with Taiwan on mineral projects within Somaliland.
“The Department should take this opportunity to demonstrate tangible support for Somaliland, whose democratic commitments and security cooperation align closely with U.S. interests,” concluded their letter.
Speaking to Breitbart News about these recommendations’ practical effects, Congressman Moolenaar said: “From combatting piracy to hosting a Taiwanese Representative Office in its capital, Somaliland has shown its commitment to the United States as both a friend and security partner.” He added: “Establishing a more official U.S. presence in Somaliland would give the United States an important foothold to monitor and counter Beijing’s ever-growing presence in the region that ultimately undermines the safety of Americans at home.”
Moolenaar and Smith believe issuing an updated travel advisory is an immediate step toward reshaping international perception of Somaliland while encouraging commerce and investment from abroad.
Chris Smith currently serves New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress—a seat he has held since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/09/u-s-lawmakers-urge-separate-somaliland-travel-advisory-to-counter-china/#google_vignette . Born in Rahway in 1953 https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/09/u-s-lawmakers-urge-separate-somaliland-travel-advisory-to-counter-china/#google_vignette , he lives today in Manchester Township.
