The Republic of Somaliland has formally requested that the United States government extradite Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) to face legal proceedings in the Horn of Africa.
This request follows an announcement from Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleging the Minnesota congresswoman engaged in activities that undermine the sovereignty and security of the region.
Somaliland officials claim Omar’s public statements and legislative actions have favored the federal government of Somalia at the expense of Somaliland’s self-declared independence.
The request reached the U.S. State Department late Saturday, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the congresswoman and the Somaliland administration.
President Donald Trump’s administration has not yet issued a formal response to the extradition petition.
Legal experts note the United States does not maintain a formal extradition treaty with Somaliland, as the U.S. does not officially recognize it as a sovereign state separate from Somalia.
The lack of diplomatic recognition presents a significant legal hurdle for any potential transfer of a sitting member of the United States Congress.
Representative Omar has consistently advocated for a unified Somalia and has been a vocal critic of international efforts to recognize Somaliland’s independence.
Supporters argue the extradition request is a politically motivated attempt to silence a high-profile critic of the Somaliland government.
The Somaliland Ministry of Justice stated they intend to bring charges related to treason and incitement of conflict within their borders.
The Representative’s office issued a statement Sunday morning characterizing the move as an "unprecedented and baseless" attack on a member of the U.S. government.
Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee are expected to review the matter as the State Department evaluates the documentation provided by Somaliland authorities.
The development comes amid heightened geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa during the current Trump administration.
Constitutional scholars suggest protections afforded to members of Congress would likely prevent such an extradition request from being fulfilled.
The situation remains fluid as both international observers and domestic political analysts monitor the White House’s next steps.