Bill 118 hr 10402, also known as the "Recognition of Somaliland Act," is a proposed piece of legislation in the US Congress that seeks to officially recognize Somaliland as a separate and independent country from the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somaliland, a self-declared independent state in the Horn of Africa, has been seeking international recognition since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Despite functioning as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and currency, Somaliland has not been formally recognized by the international community.
The bill argues that recognizing Somaliland as a separate country would promote stability and security in the region, as well as strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Somaliland. Proponents of the bill also point to Somaliland's democratic governance, respect for human rights, and efforts to combat terrorism and piracy as reasons for recognition.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that recognizing Somaliland could undermine efforts to reunify Somalia and create further instability in the region. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on US relations with the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Overall, the Recognition of Somaliland Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about sovereignty, self-determination, and international relations in the Horn of Africa. It remains to be seen how Congress will ultimately decide on this issue.