President Donald Trump has indicated that he will not hastily follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing the independence of Somaliland. In an interview with The Post, Trump stated he needs to “study” Netanyahu’s proposal regarding the breakaway region, which recently gained global attention after Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland’s independence from Somalia.
On March 15, 2024, Netanyahu pledged to deliver a message to Trump during his upcoming meeting with Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the President of Somaliland, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. He emphasized Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic initiative that has already brought Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the UAE into relations with Israel. Netanyahu’s video call with Abdullahi celebrated this diplomatic breakthrough, highlighting Somaliland’s desire to align with Israel and the United States.
Despite these developments, Trump expressed skepticism about Somaliland’s significance. He stated, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” while at his golf course in West Palm Beach. He acknowledged the offer of a military port to the United States but dismissed it as a “big deal,” indicating that he remains unconvinced about pursuing recognition at this time.
Trump’s comments reflect a broader focus on the Gaza Strip, where he previously brokered a ceasefire and currently chairs a United Nations Board of Peace overseeing reconstruction efforts. In his interview, he remarked, “Just say, ‘No,’” when asked about recognizing Somaliland, underscoring his reluctance to engage with the proposal immediately.
The situation in Somaliland is complex. This region, which was a former British protectorate, has functioned independently from Somalia since 1991. It has established a stable democratic government, unlike the central authority in Mogadishu, which has been plagued by civil unrest and conflict. Somaliland has strong ties with neighboring Ethiopia but faces opposition from countries like Turkey regarding its independence.
General Dagvin Anderson, the head of U.S. Africa Command, recently visited Somaliland, raising hopes for potential agreements with the U.S. Some of Trump’s congressional allies, including Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), are advocating for Somaliland’s recognition through legislative efforts such as the “Republic of Somaliland Independence Act.” Perry is joined by cosponsors including Reps. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.).
Moreover, discussions surrounding Somaliland’s independence have drawn attention from political figures such as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who represents a district with a significant Somali population. Omar has voiced opposition to Somaliland’s autonomy, asserting, “As long as I’m in Congress, no one will take over the seas belonging to the nation of Somalia.”
While Trump previously suggested he was open to the idea of recognizing Somaliland, stating in August 2023, “We’re looking into that right now,” his recent remarks indicate a cautious approach as he weighs the implications of such a decision. As the situation evolves, the dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and Somaliland remain a subject of considerable interest and speculation.
