The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has publicly declared its alignment with the United States following the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland issued a press statement on January 4, 2025, affirming its principled alignment with the United States in support of calibrated international action aimed at restoring constitutional order, democratic legitimacy, and the rule of law in Venezuela.

“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland affirms its principled alignment with the United States in support of calibrated international action aimed at restoring constitutional order, democratic legitimacy, and the rule of law in Venezuela,” read the statement.

Somaliland backs coordinated international efforts

Somaliland has highlighted that its support for U.S.-led action in Venezuela is guided by international norms and collective security principles.

The government believes that coordinated engagement with regional and multilateral partners can help reduce humanitarian suffering, disrupt transnational criminal networks, and facilitate a peaceful, locally led transition in Venezuela.

This approach underscores Somaliland’s stance that international efforts should promote stability while respecting the country’s sovereignty, accountability, and human rights obligations.

“In line with international norms and collective security considerations, Somaliland believes that responsible U.S.-led engagement, carried out in coordination with regional and multilateral partners, can help alleviate humanitarian suffering, counter transnational criminal networks, and support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition based on sovereignty, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

Somaliland’s position comes as the U.S., under President Donald Trump, conducted large-scale strikes on Venezuela on January 3, resulting in the capture of Maduro and Flores.

The couple was flown out of Caracas aboard a U.S. helicopter, transferred to the USS Iwo Jima, and eventually transported to New York City, where they face charges in the Southern District of New York, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the pair would “soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”

Global response and Somaliland’s foreign policy

President Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily “run” Venezuela to ensure a “safe, proper and judicious transition,” with American oil companies tasked to repair the country’s infrastructure and exploit its reserves.

Somaliland’s endorsement contrasts with widespread international condemnation, as allies of Venezuela, including Russia, China, and Cuba, denounced the action as aggression and a violation of sovereignty. The African Union expressed concern over the “abduction” of Maduro and called for dialogue, reaffirming its commitment to international law.