Somaliland is renewing its push for international recognition after US President Donald Trump described it as a “totally different country” from Somalia, remarks welcomed by authorities in Hargeisa as they seek stronger diplomatic and economic ties with Washington.
- Somaliland is renewing its campaign for international recognition after Donald Trump referred to it as a 'totally different country' from Somalia.
- Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Trump’s remarks as affirming its longstanding independence and distinct governance.
- Trump did not formally recognize Somaliland or signal a change in US diplomatic policy, despite his comments.
- Somaliland’s strategic location and control of Berbera port are key to its appeals for international cooperation, especially with the US on security and trade.
In a statement issued on October 13, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Trump’s remarks as an acknowledgement of the territory’s distinct status.
“His remarks affirm a longstanding reality: the Republic of Somaliland has its own internationally defined borders, inherited at independence and consistent with the African Union’s principle of respect for borders existing at independence. It has its own constitution, democratically elected government and foreign relations, and has governed itself for more than three decades,” the ministry said.
The response followed comments Trump made at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12. According to Middle East Eye, US President Donald Trump said that he considers Somaliland “a totally different country” from Somalia, but suggested it should be renamed “Somalia Land”.
“I call it Somalia Land, not Somaliland, because actually it's a totally different country. Some people like Somaliland that has nothing to do,” Trump said. “I said, you got to be kidding. I think they should change the name immediately.”
However, Trump did not announce formal US recognition of Somaliland or any change in Washington’s diplomatic policy.
Berbera port and regional security underpin Somaliland’s case
Somaliland has sought international recognition since declaring the restoration of its independence from Somalia in 1991.
Its government argues that it has maintained separate political institutions and held elections despite lacking broad international recognition.
Its strategic position along the Gulf of Aden is central to its diplomatic pitch. Somaliland has a long coastline and controls Berbera port, which offers a potential trade gateway into the Horn of Africa and sits near shipping routes connecting the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
Its authorities have highlighted maritime security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment as potential areas of cooperation with the United States.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, has also been seeking stronger engagement with US officials and lawmakers in Washington. In recent diplomatic outreach, he has urged the Trump administration to recognise Somaliland, pointing to opportunities for cooperation on maritime security, counter-terrorism and regional stability.
Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognise Somaliland on December 26, 2025. The move drew objections from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory, and concern from other regional governments.
Trump’s remarks have given Somaliland fresh international attention, but they do not amount to formal US recognition. For Hargeisa, the next challenge is turning that attention into concrete diplomatic engagement and broader international acceptance.