Former US President Donald Trump has signalled he is not ready to grant full diplomatic recognition to the breakaway republic of Somaliland, following a surprise move by Israel to formally back the territory.
Israel breaks ranks on Somaliland
On Friday, 27 December 2025, Israel became the first sovereign state to offer formal support to Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to raise the issue during a scheduled meeting with Trump the following Monday.
However, reports from the New York Post indicated Trump was far from convinced. While at his West Palm Beach golf course, the former president was quoted asking: ‘Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?’
A stable entity in a troubled region
Somaliland is a former British protectorate located on the Horn of Africa. It borders Djibouti to the north, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east. Despite lacking widespread international recognition, it has maintained a stable government, held democratic elections, and positioned itself as a potential partner for Western interests.
The region has actively sought to normalise relations with Israel, offering to join the Abraham Accords. It has also proposed allocating land for a potential US naval base in the strategic Gulf of Aden in the Red Sea.
Trump responded dismissively to these proposals, reportedly remarking ‘big deal’ and stating all suggestions were ‘under study.’ He added, ‘I study a lot of things and always make great decisions and they turn out to be correct.’
Gaza to dominate talks
The president suggested his upcoming conversation with Netanyahu would be dominated by the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, rather than other diplomatic affairs. This stance places him at odds with some proponents of Somaliland within his own political sphere.
Among the US voices advocating for recognition is arch Trump loyalist Congressman Scott Perry, who has submitted an act in Congress to formally acknowledge Somaliland as a nation.
While Somaliland enjoys strong ties with Ethiopia and some Arab nations like the UAE, other regional powers, including Egypt and Turkey, continue to advocate against its independence, supporting the sovereignty of Somalia.
