On the Horn of Africa, at the strategic point where the Gulf of Aden meets the Red Sea, lies an enthusiastic partner willing to host U.S. military bases and allow access to critical resources at a time of growing competition between the United States and China.

The only problem: the U.S., like every other country in the world, views Somaliland as part of Somalia.

"The United States recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which includes the territory of Somaliland," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Newsweek .

"The State Department is not in active discussions with Somaliland's representatives about a deal to recognize Somaliland as a state," the spokesperson added.

But such statements have yet to crush the hopes of advocates

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