SL-SAG Summit · Thursday, June 25, 2026

U.S.–Somaliland Strategic Partnership Summit

Recognition, Security & Opportunity in a New Geopolitical Era. "Recognition Restored: Building the U.S.–Somaliland Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century."

25

June 2026

VA

The Westin Tysons Corner, Falls Church

8AM–5PM

Full-day program

About the summit

Why this matters

"This summit brings together the voices that matter most — Somaliland's advocates, U.S. policymakers, and the diaspora community — to chart a path toward formal recognition and lasting partnership."

SL-SAG

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Morning sessions

Masters of Ceremonies: Yasin Abdi & Safia Hashi

8:00

Registration & Coffee/Tea

Check-in · summit materials · networking

9:00

Quran Recitation

Opening blessing — Suleiman Sultan Ali, Reciter

9:05

Opening Remarks

Welcome address, summit objectives, expected outcomes — Deman Rageh, Chairwoman, SL-SAG

9:15

Session I — Who Is Somaliland? History, Sovereignty & Democratic Development

British Somaliland & independence (June 26, 1960); recognition by 35+ states and union with Somalia; restoration of sovereignty in 1991; democratic governance & peaceful power transfers; constitutional development; security & development achievements. Presenter: Dr. Ali Duale · Moderator: Safia Hashi · Panelists: Anab Ali, Ayan Ismail

10:00

Networking Break

10:00 – 10:15 AM

10:15

Session II, Part 1 — Why Does Somaliland Matter Now?

Red Sea & Gulf of Aden security; Bab el-Mandeb & global trade routes; the Port of Berbera as a strategic gateway; counterterrorism & maritime security; U.S.–China competition in Africa; regional stability & international partnerships. Presenter: Fuad Abdi Ismail · Moderated discussion and audience Q&A

10:30

Session II, Part 2 — Why Does Somaliland Matter Now? (Virtual Zoom Panel)

Continued discussion on strategic relevance in a changing geopolitical landscape. Panelists (Zoom): Dr. Jamal Ali Hussein · Mohamed Yasin Olad · Rageh Omaar

11:35

E-Visa Introduction

About E-Visa impact and rollout — Badri Jimale, Presenter

11:40

Somaliland Recognition

Somaliland Recognition Institute — Charles Kotuby, Presenter

11:45

Somaliland Recognition (Zoom)

Somaliland Recognition Institute — Amb. David Carden

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Afternoon sessions

Masters of Ceremonies: Mahad Gudal & Chello Elmi

12:00

Networking Lunch

Lunch and informal networking among delegates

12:40

Session III — What Opportunities Exist for Partnership? Building the Future of U.S.–Somaliland Relations

Trade, investment & the Berbera Corridor; diplomatic & interfaith partnerships; rare-earth minerals; energy & critical minerals; cross-sector economic cooperation; strategic resource partnerships. Presenters: Dr. Osman · Bob Marro. Key question: What is in it for Somaliland, the U.S., and international partners?

1:30

Special Video Presentation: Recent Visit to Somaliland

Storytelling / video presentation — Steven Goodman, Presenter

1:50

Keynote: Washington, DC Lobbying Experience

U.S. lobbying today and tomorrow — Dr. Saad Sheikh Osman Noor, Former SL U.S. Rep. Introduction by Deman Rageh

2:15

Coffee & Networking Break

2:15 – 2:30 PM

2:30

Special Video: Enhancing Somaliland Youth Education

From Abaarso High School to the Ivy League — Jonathan Starr / Harry Lee (Abaarso, Zoom)

3:00

Keynote: Youth Skill Development & Education

Important skill development for Somaliland youth — Qania Ismail, Presenter

3:15

Strategy Session — Why Engage Today, Not Tomorrow

The narrowing window for first-mover advantage; securing influence before strategic competitors commit; alignment with current U.S. strategic priorities; converting diaspora momentum into policy outcomes; the costs and risks of continued delay; building durable, institution-to-institution ties. Moderated by Jeclo Elmi · Panelists: Dr. Kayse Farah, Yasin Abdi, Abdirazik Jama

4:00

Deepening the Somaliland – Israel – USA Partnership

Strengthening trilateral ties between Somaliland, the US, and Israel; charting the future of engagement; building deeper diplomatic and economic bonds; business-to-business relationships. Presenters: Rabbi Michael Freund · Joel Rubin

4:30

Awards & Recognition

Honoring contributions to the U.S.–Somaliland partnership

4:45

Closing Session — Summit Conclusion & Call to Action

Adopt a shared, action-oriented partnership roadmap; pursue trade, investment & the Berbera Corridor; establish a standing U.S.–Somaliland working group; advance recognition and formal diplomatic engagement; mobilize sustained diaspora advocacy; define concrete follow-up commitments and timelines. Moderated by Jeclo Elmi · Panelists: Suleiman Sultan Ali, Burhan X. Yusuf Adam, Deman Rageh

Summit outcomes

Declaration & press release

At the close of the Summit, participants adopted a formal Declaration and issued a Call to Action. Both documents are available in full below.

DeclarationJune 25, 2026

Summit Conclusion, Declaration & Call to Action

The full text of the Summit Conclusion, Declaration adopted by participants, and 13-point Call to Action — signed by Chairwoman Deman Rageh.

Press ReleaseJune 25, 2026

U.S.–Somaliland Summit Concludes with Call for U.S. Recognition

For immediate release — participants urge the President and Congress to extend formal recognition without further delay.

Logistics

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