Trump Stalls on Recognizing Somaliland After Israel’s Historic Move
WASHINGTON—In a discussion with The New Post, President Donald Trump said he would not immediately mirror Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The former president indicated he would “study” the appeal from the Northern Somali region before deciding.
Israel became the first country to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s secession from Somalia on Friday, a milestone that Netanyahu pledged to convey to Trump ahead of their meeting at Mar‑a‑Lago on Monday. In a video call celebrating the break‑through, Netanyahu told Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, that he would relay the region’s desire to join the Abraham Accords if the U.S. took steps to do so.
“Just say, ‘No, comma, not at this —,’” Trump told The Post over the phone. He later revised his answer to, “Just say, ‘No.’”
When asked about Somaliland’s offers to join the Abraham Accords and to host a U.S. naval base near the Red Sea, Trump appeared unimpressed. “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he asked from his West Palm Beach golf course. “Everything is under study,” the president said, adding, “I study a lot of things and always make great decisions and they turn out to be correct.”
While the former president seemed hesitant about Somaliland, he indicated that his upcoming talks with Netanyahu would concentrate on the Gaza Strip, where he brokered an October ceasefire and now oversees a United Nations‑approved Board of Peace to supervise implementation and reconstruction.
Background on Somaliland’s Quest
Somaliland declared independence from the former Italian‑ruled part of Somalia in 1991 and has since operated as a de‑facto independent state. The region has built a relatively stable and democratic system, with peaceful power transitions, in contrast to the civil‑war‑ridden central government that remains in Mogadishu.
A U.S. Africa Command official, General Dagvin Anderson, visited Somaliland last month, encouraging hope that Washington might formalize relations. In Congress, Representative Scott Perry (R‑PA) is sponsoring the “Republic of Somaliland Independence Act,” alongside co‑sponsors such as Reps. Tom Tiffany (R‑WI), Andy Ogles (R‑TN), and Tim Burchett (R‑TN). These members are part of a broader group of MAGA supporters pushing for recognition.
Regional Dynamics
The region’s ties with Ethiopia are strong, but other nations, including Turkey, oppose its independence. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have expressed uncertainty; Trump himself previously noted that the nation is “looking into that right now,” adding that the matter is complex and still under consideration.
As the U.S. prepares to meet with Israeli leaders, the focus remains on securing peace in Gaza, though the question of recognizing Somaliland may still loom on the sidelines of future diplomatic discussions.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
