Trump’s Stance on Somaliland Independence Recognition
Recently, President Trump expressed to the Post that he doesn’t plan to quickly acquiesce to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the recognition of Somaliland’s independence. He mentioned needing to “study” the longstanding claims of his Middle Eastern ally concerning the breakaway republic.
On Friday, Israel became the first nation to acknowledge Somaliland’s departure from Somalia, which has been facing ongoing anarchy. Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump on Monday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where he plans to communicate a message to the African nation’s president.
During a video call to celebrate this diplomatic milestone, Netanyahu told Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, “I will convey to President Trump your desire to join the Abraham Accords.”
However, Trump appeared unbothered, indicating that his discussions with Netanyahu would likely focus on issues in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu has recently played a role in mediating a ceasefire and is currently chairing a peace commission recognized by the U.N.
In a phone interview with the Post, Trump humorously remarked, “Just say, ‘No, comma, not here,'” before simplifying his response on Somaliland’s recognition to “Just say, ‘No.'” He seemed somewhat perplexed, asking, “Does anyone know what Somaliland actually is?” from his golf course in West Palm Beach.
Trump showed little enthusiasm regarding Muslim-majority nations seeking to join the Abraham Accords or Somaliland’s offer of land for a possible U.S. naval base near the Red Sea. When queried about the military port proposal, he dismissed it with, “It’s a big deal.”
“Everything is under study,” the president added, noting, “I study a lot and always make great decisions, and they turn out to be right.”
Recently, U.S. Africa Command’s Gen. Dagvin Anderson visited Somaliland, which raised local hopes for a deal with the U.S. Some of Trump’s key supporters in the MAGA movement also seem to rally behind Somaliland’s cause.
Rep. Scott Perry from Pennsylvania, a strong ally of Trump, has introduced the Somaliland Republic Independence Act, which is co-sponsored by several Republican colleagues.
Over the past weeks, Trump has criticized Somalia and its population in Minnesota for what he described as taking money from U.S. taxpayers. Yet, state officials attributed the blame to Democratic Governor Tim Walz.
Somaliland, previously a British protectorate, has operated independently from much of Somalia since 1991, establishing a relatively stable democratic system. This stands in contrast to the central Somali government in Mogadishu, which has faced ongoing civil strife.
Interestingly, Mogadishu is also the birthplace of Representative Ilhan Omar, who has publicly opposed self-governance for the region. The breakaway state maintains close relations with Ethiopia, although some countries, including Türkiye, resist the idea of its independence.
Back in August, Trump mentioned he was weighing the possibility of recognizing Somaliland, noting, “We’re looking at it right now. That’s actually a good question. And, you know, there’s another complication. But we’re working on it right now, Somaliland.”
