US President Joe Biden on Friday signed the Defense Authorization Act allowing for the first the break-away Somaliland region in northern Somalia to participate in US military programs.
The act requires the defense and state departments to submit an annual report detailing assistance, diplomatic engagement and security initiatives in Somaliland. It also requires the US government to produce a feasibility report by June 2023 on opportunities for enhanced security cooperation between Somaliland and the United States.
Former US assistant secretary of state for Africa Tibor Nagy said the United States finally recognized a reality that Somaliland is a potential valuable partner.
“President Biden has signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allowing Somaliland to participate in US military programs,” he tweeted.
