What You Need to Know
President Donald Trump announced he is not ready to follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s lead in recognizing Somaliland’s independence. He emphasized the need to study the implications of this move, especially in light of ongoing discussions about Gaza and U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Africa. President Donald Trump stated to a local source that he is not yet ready to follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s lead in recognizing Somaliland’s independence, explaining that he needs to first “study” the position of his longtime ally in the Middle East.
On Friday, Israel became the first entity in the world to recognize Somaliland’s separation from Somalia, extending its known strategy of fostering separatist movements in the Arab world. Netanyahu promised to convey a message to Trump during their meeting on Monday. In a celebratory video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Netanyahu said, “I will convey to President Trump your desire to join the Abraham Accords.”
However, Trump clarified that he was not swayed by the Israeli move, stating that his discussions with Netanyahu would focus on Gaza, where he mediated a ceasefire agreement in October. A UN peace council is now overseeing the implementation and reconstruction efforts.
In a phone interview, Trump simply responded regarding the recognition of Somaliland: “Just say ‘no.'” He added, questioning from his golf course in West Palm Beach, “Does anyone really know what Somaliland is?”
According to local sources, Trump appeared indifferent to Somaliland’s offer to join the Abraham Accords, as well as its proposal to provide land for a U.S. naval base at the entrance to the Red Sea. When asked about this offer, he merely replied, “Something big?” He explained, “Everything is under study, and we will consider it. I study a lot of things and always make good decisions, which prove correct later.”
On another note, General Dagvin Anderson, head of U.S. Africa Command, visited Somaliland last month, raising hopes for a deal with the United States, especially as some of Trump’s prominent supporters in the MAGA movement back this lesser-known region.
One of Trump’s strongest allies in Congress, Representative Scott Perry (R-PA), is sponsoring a bill for the “Independence of the Republic of Somaliland,” alongside other representatives such as Tom Tiffany (WI), Andy Ogles (TN), and Tim Burchett (TN).
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by any UN member state. The region has maintained a stable government and democratic elections, contrasting sharply with the ongoing instability in Somalia. Recent developments, including Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, have reignited discussions about its status and potential international support.
The geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa is complex, with various nations vying for influence. The U.S. has historically been involved in the region, focusing on counterterrorism and stability.
