Chanel Rion is calling for the United States to build a closer relationship with Somaliland, arguing that its location near the Bab el-Mandeb, ties with Taiwan, access to critical minerals and resistance to Al-Shabaab make it a potentially valuable strategic partner in the Horn of Africa.

Rion said Somaliland occupies a critical position near one of the world’s most important maritime routes and is actively seeking closer ties with Washington.

"One Somaliland sits on the front porch of one of the world's most important maritime choke points and is offering the U.S. the spare key. Somaliland is giving itself to the United States, begging us to save them from China and from the chaos that is the rest of Africa."

She described the Bab el-Mandeb as an 18-mile-wide chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and Indian Ocean and said it carries roughly 10 to 12 percent of global seaborne trade and nearly 9 million barrels of oil each day.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

"They are our biggest fans, and they happen to control one of the most important waterways in the entire world that hardly anyone ever talks about. Meet the Bab el Mandeb, a narrow 18-mile gap carrying roughly 10 to 12 percent of everything shipped by sea on the planet, and nearly 9 million barrels of oil per day."

Rion pointed to disruptions caused by Houthi attacks on commercial shipping as evidence of how vulnerable the route can become.

"When the Houthis started shooting at ships, the world's biggest carriers, Maersk, MSC, etc. they simply abandoned the route. Traffic cratered, voyages lengthened by 10 to 210 days to two weeks around Africa, and costs exploded, all because one militia can threaten a single stretch of water."

She argued that Somaliland’s coastline, Berbera Port and nearby infrastructure could give the United States additional options for surveillance, logistics and military operations.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

"Berbera Port, already upgraded with hundreds of millions of dollars in UAE investment, and one of Africa's longest runways sit just across the Gulf from Yemen, close enough for surveillance, logistics, or strikes, without relying solely on the overcrowded base next door in Djibouti, where a Chinese facility sits right beside the American one."

Rion said the strategic case extends beyond geography. She highlighted Somaliland’s relationship with Taiwan and said its government has resisted Chinese pressure while offering the United States access to minerals and infrastructure opportunities.

"Two, they are our most valuable anti-China friends in China in Africa. While much of the Horn has grown closer to Beijing, Somaliland remains maintains ties with Taiwan, one of the very few African entities to do so, and has resisted Chinese pressure at every turn."

She continued:

"It has repeatedly offered the U.S. exclusive or preferential access to critical minerals, lithium, coltan, rare earths, plus commercial and infrastructure opportunities at Barbera. This is insane. They have the strategic geography, plus the critical minerals, plus a government that prefers American investment over Chinese influence. This is a gift, and they're begging for an alliance with the U.S.."

Rion also portrayed Somaliland as more stable than Somalia and credited its political system with keeping Al-Shabaab from developing a significant presence.

"Unlike Somalia and, frankly, the rest of the African continent, Somaliland has successfully kept out Islamic terrorism. Al Shabaab has failed to establish a meaningful foothold there. No major attack since 2008. That's an extraordinary feat."

She said Somaliland’s mix of traditional clan structures and formal democratic institutions has contributed to that stability.

"It is a hybrid of traditional clan structures and formal democracy that has produced stability on a budget. Somaliland's government is stable. It issues passports, has its own currency, and have had elections on the regular."

Rion then addressed opposition to U.S. recognition of Somaliland, including concerns about separatist movements, relations with Somalia and reactions from China or the African Union.

"The left and the foreign policy establishment frame this as reckless or cynical. Cameron Hudson, a former NSC Africa director, said this week that if Trump recognizes Somaliland, it will be done, quote, simply to spite Somalia, not because of democratic, geopolitical, or economic merits."

She dismissed those concerns and argued that maintaining good relations with Mogadishu should not outweigh what she sees as America’s strategic interests.

"That is a standard caution. Don't open the Pandora's box of African separatism. Don't anger the African Union, Beijing. Don't complicate relations with Mogadishu."

Rion then sharply criticized Somalia and argued that the United States should not allow concern about offending its government to block closer ties with Somaliland.

"Really, Mogadishu? Mogadishu is the capital city of failed nation-states. Somalia is the dingy fake jewel plugged into the crown of third world countries. Who cares if we insult Somalia?"

She concluded by arguing that Washington should instead reward Somaliland for its stability, political system, and willingness to align with the United States.

"On the other hand, we should roll out the red carpet for Somaliland. They're doing it right, and should be rewarded."

Ilhan Omar exists BECAUSE we keep PRETENDING Somalia and Somaliland are the same country.

THEY’RE NOT. Somaliland is sitting on the Bab el-Mandeb — 10-12% of global seaborne trade — and offering America the spare key. Berbera port. Critical minerals. Taiwan ties. No Al-Shabaab since 2008. Somalia is the failed state that keeps exporting Ilhan Omar and fraud rings. SOMALILAND is the one that works. — Chanel Rion OAN (@ChanelRion) October 16, 2026

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.