Tuesday December 3, 2024
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley during a meeting at the presidential palace in Hargeisa. The discussions emphasized regional stability, security collaboration, and Somaliland’s strategic importance in the Gulf of Aden. (Photo: Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland)
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi hosted U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley and Major General Brian T. Cashman, the Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, on Tuesday for discussions at the presidential palace in Hargeisa. The meeting, which included senior U.S. officials, focused on enhancing security cooperation and exploring future partnerships in the Horn of Africa.
The outgoing President Bihi said his administration is committed to peace and security, describing the visit as a significant step in strengthening ties with the United States.
"This engagement reflects our shared interest in promoting regional stability and addressing common security challenges," Bihi said in a statement.
Ambassador Riley and General Cashman commended both outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi and President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Somaliland's recent peaceful and democratic election even without formal international recognition.
According to sources, a focal point of the talks was Berbera, a port city strategically located along the Gulf of Aden. Modernized with investment from DP World, Berbera has become a key player in regional trade and logistics. AFRICOM's multiple visits to the port and airfield have fueled speculation about a potential U.S. military presence in the area.
The U.S. delegation's interest in Berbera aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2024, which includes provisions for a Somaliland partnership. Analysts see this as part of Washington's broader strategy to counter Iran and its allies in Yemen, the Houthis, as well as Chinese and Russian influence in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has operated as a de facto state with functional governance, its own military, and relative peace. However, its lack of international recognition limits its ability to engage fully with global institutions.
U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley meets with Somaliland President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro in Hargeisa. The meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic relations and discussing shared priorities for regional stability and development. (Photo: U.S. Embassy in Somalia)
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi poses with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley, Maj. Gen. Brian T. Cashman, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and other senior officials from the United States and Somaliland after high-level discussions at the presidential palace in Hargeisa. The meeting focused on enhancing security cooperation and exploring strategic partnerships in the Horn of Africa. (Photo: Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland)