Somaliland returned to the geopolitical spotlight after Donald Trump said the United States would not back Israel’s move to recognise the breakaway region of Somalia.
Trump Says US Will Not Recognise Somaliland
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump dismissed the idea of US recognition, questioning global awareness of the territory. “No. Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he said when asked whether Washington would follow Israel’s lead.
The comments signal a clear refusal by the US president to support recognition of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has never been recognised by any UN member state.
Israel Announces Historic Recognition
Trump’s remarks came after Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would become the first country in the world to recognise Somaliland.
Netanyahu framed the decision as consistent with the spirit of the Abraham Accords and said he would advocate for Somaliland during discussions with Trump. He also invited Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, to visit Israel—an invitation that was accepted.
Somalia, Turkey and African Union Push Back
The announcement triggered sharp reactions. Somalia condemned Israel’s move as “state aggression,” while African Union warned it could destabilise the region.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said any attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty threatens peace and security across the continent, stressing that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
Why Somaliland’s Status Remains Disputed
Although Somaliland has its own currency, parliament and flag, it lacks international recognition. Somalia continues to assert sovereignty over the territory, and most global powers have avoided formal recognition to prevent regional instability.
Earlier this year, US and Israeli officials told the Associated Press that Israel had explored discussions with Somaliland about hosting Palestinians from Gaza under a now-abandoned US resettlement proposal—an idea that further heightened sensitivities around the region.
Diplomatic Lines Drawn
Trump’s refusal to back Israel underscores Washington’s reluctance to alter long-standing international consensus on Somalia’s territorial integrity. With strong opposition from African and regional actors, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland appears set to remain an isolated move—for now.
