WATCH: Ted Cruz Grills U.S. Ambassador To Somalia Nom On Whether Somaliland Is Distinct From Somalia

Senator Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Much appreciated. Mr. Kennington, if confirmed, you'll play a crucial role in advancing U.S. interests in the Horn of Africa, including our relationship with Somaliland. Somaliland sits along the Gulf of Aden, near one of the world's busiest shipping corridors, and plays an important part in regional counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts. Somaliland also maintains close ties with Taiwan and Israel, the latter of which formally recognized Somaliland in December of 2025. In September, I met with the President of Somaliland to discuss its strategic importance to the United States and opportunities to strengthen our bilateral relationship, including through formal recognition. I firmly believe that U.S. recognition of Somaliland would advance our national security interests in the Horn of Africa America and beyond. And I think the facts speak for themselves. So let me ask you a few basic yes or no questions about Somaliland. Has Somaliland governed itself since 1991? Thank you, Senator. Thank you for your question. My understanding is, yes, the government of Somaliland has effectively governed its territory since 1991. But I do want to be clear, though, that obviously our current United States policy is that we recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which includes the region of Somaliland. Has Somaliland held multiple democratic elections? Uh, thank you, Senator. You know, I think I'm not, you know, in the position to comment on the validity of, uh, I didn't ask validity. I asked if they held multiple democratic elections. My understanding is, uh, Senator, yes, that most recently they held an election in November of 2024. Which was subsequently followed by a peaceful transfer of power. But again, I would defer to the people of Somaliland to determine whether or not... Well, that's my next question. Has Somaliland experienced peaceful transfers of power, including following the 2024 presidential election? My understanding is that, yes, there was a peaceful transfer of power following that election in November of 2024. Does Somaliland maintain close diplomatic ties with Taiwan? Yes, Senator. To my knowledge, Somaliland does indeed maintain close diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Has the communist government of China publicly opposed Somaliland's independence? Yes, Senator. That is my understanding that China has opposed independence for Somaliland. Has the nation of Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent country? Yes, Senator, my understanding is that Israel has indeed recognized Somaliland as an independent country. And has Somaliland offered the United States favorable diplomatic, economic and security partnerships? Yeah, I mean, I just want to be clear that I think this administration has been very clear that it wants further engagement with Somaliland. You know, obviously, you know, I think we recognize their position on China is favorable to us. I think there's several commercial economic opportunities that are available to us. And as you noted, I think they play a key role in Red Sea security. So I think from my position, I do believe that we have an interest in enhancing U.S. engagement with Somaliland. And I would say that if confirmed, I would continue to engage. I think the answers to each of those questions tells us a lot about Somaliland and why this relationship matters. We should prioritize being a partner with those that are a partner for the United States and for our allies. These are the partners that we should reward. In fact, President Trump himself said that Somaliland is a, quote, totally different country than Somalia. Do you agree with President Trump? Let me, I think, say to that, look, I recognize the importance of subnational engagement throughout Somalia. I think that this sort of subnational engagement, I think through it we really have the opportunity to advance specific national security, commercial, economic interests, and I would put Somaliland into that bucket. Okay, let me try that again. Do you agree with President Trump? His quote was, Somaliland is a, quote, totally different country than Somalia. Well, I would say certainly the conditions on the ground, yes, are very different in Hargeisa and in Somaliland than they are elsewhere throughout Somalia. I think President Trump is exactly right. Somaliland is not Somalia. The president has made his position clear, and I believe it is time for the United States to formally recognize Somaliland. Now, despite the president's clear position, Somehow, at Foggy Bottom, the State Department has not moved forward with recognition. What specifically is preventing the State Department from doing so? Look, Senator, I can say that if confirmed, I would enhance U.S. engagement with Somaliland. I would continue to engage the Somaliland authorities. I would continue to visit there. What? What obstacles, if any, remain to the United States formally recognizing Somaliland as an independent country? Senator, I think from this position, I can't answer that, but I can confirm that... Are there any obstacles? Are there any obstacles? There is a reason y'all haven't done it. What obstacles are there? Senator, I think at this point I'm not in a position to answer that, but I can confirm that I think it is important to U.S. national security interests and economic and commercial interests that we continue to engage the Somaliland authorities and that if confirmed, I can tell you that I would certainly enhance our relationship with Somaliland. I think the State Department should follow the President's guidance, and I think your confirmation depends on the State Department following the President's guidance. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Cruz. Senator Shaheen. Thank you. Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.