In a striking public declaration, the Government of Somaliland has voiced its support for the recent United States military operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, framing the action as a positive step toward restoring constitutional order and democratic governance in Venezuela.
The statement, issued on Monday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said Somaliland affirms its “principled alignment” with what it called “calibrated international action” by the United States. According to the government in Hargeisa, the operation — which saw Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, taken into U.S. custody — has the potential to “help alleviate humanitarian suffering, counter transnational criminal networks, and support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition based on sovereignty, accountability, and respect for human rights.”
“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 facilitate a constructive political transition,” the statement added.
Somaliland’s public backing of the controversial U.S. operation marks a notable moment in the breakaway republic’s evolving foreign policy. The self-declared state — which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and is recognised by only a handful of non-UN member states — rarely comments on geopolitical events beyond the Horn of Africa, making this endorsement particularly significant.
The U.S. operation, involving military action and Maduro’s removal from Venezuelan territory, has sparked intense debate internationally. Supporters argue it removes an entrenched authoritarian figure accused of criminal conduct and narcotics trafficking, while critics contend the move undermines sovereignty and international law. Responses have ranged from outright condemnation by countries such as Iran and Russia to more cautious calls for dialogue from international organisations like the African Union.
In Venezuela, reactions have been sharply divided. Officials loyal to Maduro — who remains detained in New York facing narcotics and weapons charges — have decried the U.S. action as an illegal intervention. Meanwhile, some Venezuelan citizens have reportedly celebrated the former leader’s removal, highlighting domestic frustration with years of economic and political turmoil.
Somaliland’s support also comes against the backdrop of its own international recognition efforts. Just days before the U.S. operation, Israel formally recognised Somaliland as a sovereign state — a move that ignited diplomatic controversy, particularly in neighbouring Somalia, which views the territory as part of its sovereign territory. Analysts note that Washington’s military action in Caracas and its growing relationship with Israel may have influenced Hargeisa’s willingness to publicly align with U.S. policy.
While the broader global community continues to weigh in on the legality and implications of Maduro’s capture, Somaliland’s endorsement signals a more assertive and outward-looking foreign policy posture from the Horn of Africa republic. As international reactions unfold and Venezuela’s political future remains uncertain, the Somaliland government said it hopes its position contributes to peaceful and democratic outcomes for the Venezuelan people.
