In a surprising development during a press conference with leaders from Azerbaijan and Armenia, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the long-standing issue of Somaliland’s quest for international recognition.
When questioned about Somaliland’s proposal, Trump responded, “Good question, we are looking into it right now,” indicating that the U.S. is actively considering the matter.
Somaliland, since reclaiming its independence from Somalia in 1991, has been seeking formal recognition from the international community, despite its relative stability and democratic governance compared to Somalia.
Somaliland’s President H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has expressed optimism, stating at the 2025 World Government Summit that recognition is “on the horizon,” with the U.S. likely to lead. His planned U.S. visit this year 2025 and recent meetings with U.S. military officials, including the top Horn of Africa officer, underscore ongoing engagement.
The nation’s strategic location near the Red Sea and its offers of military cooperation and access to critical minerals have recently intensified its lobbying efforts, particularly towards the Trump administration.
Recent reports indicate Somaliland has offered the U.S. a naval base near the Bab el-Mandab Strait and access to rare earth minerals in exchange for recognition. These offers align with Trump’s transactional foreign policy approach, which prioritizes strategic gains, such as countering Chinese and Iranian influence and securing maritime trade routes.
Sources close to the administration suggest that discussions are underway regarding potential deals that could involve military base establishments, aligning with Trump’s broader foreign policy objectives