HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday hinted at the possibility of recognizing Somaliland’s independence, saying his administration is “looking into” the matter as the self-declared republic offers access to a naval base on the Red Sea.
The comment came during a White House press conference where Trump hosted the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to sign an agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict.
A reporter asked if the president was inclined to recognize Somaliland’s independence in return for strategic cooperation.
“The country of Somaliland has expressed potential interest if you were to diplomatically recognize their independence. Are you inclined to do so?” the reporter asked.
Trump replied: “We are looking into that right now, good question actually; another complex one as you know, but we are working on that right now. Somaliland.”
His remarks drew swift reactions in both Somaliland and Somalia.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam welcomed the statement, writing on X: “Somaliland remains a peaceful, democratic nation committed to lawful, voluntary humanitarian engagement. Our foreign policy respects international norms, and any discussions with partners, including the U.S., will be transparent and uphold our sovereignty and democratic values.”
Adam added that President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro is expected to visit Washington soon, noting that Somaliland’s parliament is considering a new law for embassies and diplomats “as we are officially in the process of becoming a recognized nation.”
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has remained largely peaceful and has held multiple democratic elections but has yet to gain international recognition.
Since 2012, talks with Somalia — initially brokered by Turkey — have failed to yield results.
Maritime access deal with Ethiopia
In January 2024, Somaliland signed a maritime access deal with neighboring Ethiopia, hoping it would lead to recognition.
The agreement sparked a diplomatic row between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, stalling progress.
Now, Somaliland is offering the U.S. two key incentives: unchallenged access to a naval base along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — a corridor that handles roughly 12% of global trade — as well as access to its mineral resources.
Mariam Wahba, a researcher with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the timing is significant.
“This campaign [for recognition] is quite different considering who is in the White House this time,” she said. “What we know about Donald Trump’s foreign policy is that it focuses on getting what is best for the American people.”
In Mogadishu, pro-unity analysts downplayed the remarks, arguing they are unlikely to alter U.S. policy toward Somalia.
“It was only enough for them [pro-Somaliland supporters] that Trump mentioned the name of Somaliland. This is not going to bring any change to the status quo,” said Mogadishu resident Hassan Mohamed.
Is it possible for the Somaliland administration to gain international recognition by hosting people being evacuated from the Gaza Strip, a move being made by the United States and Israel? pic.twitter.com/1vhD2q1GnW
— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) August 9, 2025