‘Does anyone know what Somaliland is?’
US President Donald Trump has said he will not follow Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, questioning the territory’s global relevance and signaling hesitation over any immediate policy shift.
Speaking to the New York Post, Trump initially responded with a firm rejection when asked whether the United States would recognize Somaliland, before adding that the issue remains under review. “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he remarked, downplaying the significance of Israel’s move and describing the matter as “under study.”
Trump’s comments come amid growing diplomatic attention on Somaliland following Israel’s reported decision to recognize the self-declared republic. Somaliland has operated independently from Somalia since 1991, maintaining its own government, security forces, and regular elections, despite lacking formal international recognition.
Asked about Somaliland’s reported offer to host a United States military port, Trump responded dismissively, calling it a “big deal” before reiterating that no decision had been made. “Everything is under study,” he said, adding that he reviews many issues before making final judgments.
The remarks have drawn attention across the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland’s leaders have long argued that their territory meets the criteria for statehood under international law. Supporters of recognition point to decades of relative stability compared to southern Somalia, as well as Somaliland’s role in regional security and maritime trade near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb corridor.
Israel’s recognition has raised expectations in Hargeisa that other countries may follow, particularly Western allies. However, Trump’s comments suggest Washington is not prepared to move quickly, highlighting the cautious approach major powers continue to take toward the Somaliland question.
For now, Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition remains unresolved, caught between shifting geopolitical interests, regional calculations, and the reluctance of global actors to challenge long-standing diplomatic norms in the Horn of Africa.