Washington, D.C., February 8, 2026 — In a recent report published by Drop Site News, the outlet examined Somaliland’s growing effort to secure formal recognition from the United States, highlighting the expanding use of Washington-based lobbying and advisory firms as part of that strategy.
The article outlines how Somaliland, an autonomous territory in the Horn of Africa that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has intensified its engagement with U.S. policymakers amid rising regional competition and shifting geopolitical alliances. As part of that effort, Somaliland has retained Nestpoint, a Dallas-based firm with experience operating at the intersection of diplomacy, government relations, and investment strategy.
According to the report, Somaliland’s recognition push comes at a moment of heightened strategic interest in the Horn of Africa, driven by concerns over maritime security, regional influence, and competition with China and other regional powers. Recent developments — including Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland — have further elevated the territory’s profile, while also triggering opposition from Somalia and its regional allies.
Within that context, Drop Site News notes that Nestpoint was engaged to help advance Somaliland’s objectives in Washington, including diplomatic outreach and efforts to promote economic self-reliance. The firm’s role reflects a broader trend in which governments increasingly pair traditional diplomatic advocacy with investment and trade-focused engagement to strengthen their case for recognition.
Nestpoint’s approach, as described in the reporting, differs from that of traditional lobbying firms. The firm combines government affairs work with private equity and strategic advisory services, positioning itself as both a policy navigator and a conduit for economic partnerships. This hybrid model allows Nestpoint to address not only political recognition, but also the investment and development considerations that often influence U.S. foreign policy decisions.
The article situates Nestpoint’s Somaliland work within the firm’s broader footprint in Washington. Nestpoint is led by Managing Director John Thomas, a longtime Republican strategist and political commentator, and includes senior figures such as Stuart Jolly, a former Trump campaign field director. Drop Site News also references the firm’s growing visibility, including high-profile convenings such as a recent American Exceptionalism awards gala hosted by the Nestpoint Foundation at the Kennedy Center, which drew prominent conservative media figures and senior officials.
By highlighting these connections, the report underscores why Somaliland’s engagement with Nestpoint matters: access, credibility, and the ability to operate across both political and economic domains. As Drop Site News notes, foreign governments seeking U.S. recognition often turn to firms with demonstrated relationships inside the executive branch and Congress, particularly during periods of policy realignment.
Within that environment, Nestpoint’s role reflects a broader shift in how recognition campaigns are pursued—pairing diplomatic advocacy with economic strategy and policy access. The report underscores how firms operating at the intersection of government affairs and investment are increasingly central to how emerging states make their case on the world stage.
This article references reporting originally published by Drop Site News on February 8, 2026. You can read it here.
About Nestpoint
Nestpoint, with a global footprint and a formidable presence in Washington, D.C., is a leading government affairs, finance, and private equity firm. As a strategic ally, Nestpoint transforms challenges into opportunities through its expertise in policy influence, global networks, and financial innovation, delivering customized solutions for sustained client success. Nestpoint advises multibillion-dollar companies in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors as well as foreign nations.
