What Happened?

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told Devin Kennington, President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Somalia, that his confirmation "depends on the State Department following the President's guidance" on Somaliland. Cruz argued that the United States should formally recognize Somaliland as an independent country. ​

The exchange came at a Nov. 10 hearing for 10 State Department nominees, according to a Legis1 review. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), chaired by Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), held the hearing.

Three exchanges stood out:

  • Somaliland recognition: Cruz asked Kennington what prevented U.S. recognition of Somaliland. Kennington said current U.S. policy recognizes Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, "which includes the region of Somaliland."
  • Saudi nominee: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the committee's ranking Democrat, questioned Wesley Hunt, the nominee for ambassador to Saudi Arabia, about past remarks on Islam that civil rights groups have criticized.
  • Religious freedom: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) pressed Jane Lynch, the nominee for ambassador at large for international religious freedom, on protections for LGBTQ people.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

The 10 nominees include selections for ambassador to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Ecuador, as well as ambassador at large for international religious freedom. Their confirmations depend on Senate action following the committee's consideration.

Kennington is the nominee whose confirmation Cruz tied to Somaliland policy. Pressed a second time about obstacles to recognition, Kennington said, "I'm not in a position to answer that."

Shaheen told Lynch, "There has not been a report produced in the last two years" under the Trump administration, referring to overdue International Religious Freedom reports. Lynch said, "I would never be able to support something where it's criminalizing people" over sexual identity.

Both Sides, Now

Cruz argued that the State Department should follow Trump's position on Somaliland, saying, "I think the State Department should follow the President's guidance." Kennington said current U.S. policy recognizes Somalia's sovereignty over Somaliland. He also supported strengthening U.S. engagement with Somaliland, citing national security, commercial opportunities and its strategic importance in the Horn of Africa.

Opponents of recognition maintain that Somaliland is part of Somalia and that Somalia's territorial integrity should be respected. On Jan. 2, 2024, Reuters reported that Somalia's government rejected a port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty. Reuters also reported that Somalia's president signed a law nullifying the deal on Jan. 6, 2024.

On Jan. 17, 2024, the African Union Peace and Security Council called for respect for Somalia's territorial integrity and sovereignty in a statement. Cruz cited the president's guidance, including Trump's characterization of Somaliland as a separate country. However, those remarks have not resulted in formal U.S. recognition of Somaliland. The Senate retains authority to decide whether to confirm each ambassador.

What Happens Next?

Republicans are seeking confirmations before January, when the incoming Democratic Senate majority could slow or reject controversial nominees, according to the Legis1 review. The SFRC may vote to report the nominations to the full Senate, which has final confirmation authority.

The committee has scheduled a business meeting for Nov. 18, but its published schedule does not indicate whether any of the 10 nominees will be voted on. Their nominations remain pending Senate consideration.

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