WADDANI Party Chairman Hersi Ali H. Hassan has welcomed an idea attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump that Somaliland could adopt a new name to distinguish itself more clearly from Somalia, suggesting that “The Red Sea Republic” could be a strong option.
In a statement shared on social media, Hersi said he welcomed the proposal and expressed hope that President Trump would take the further step of formally recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.
“President Trump has made other remarkable decisions and has the courage to formally recognize Somaliland, and there is great hope that he will do so,” Hersi said.
Hersi argued that while Somalilanders and Somalian’s share an ethnic identity, Somaliland and Somalia are politically distinct, reflecting separate national aspirations and political trajectories.
“Ethnically, we are Somalis, but politically Somaliland and Somalia are two distinct countries,” he said.
He added that Somaliland’s claim to statehood rests on the will of its people and their longstanding pursuit of self-determination, describing the decision to restore Somaliland’s independence as a sovereign choice made 35 years ago.
Hersi also pointed to Somaliland’s history as a separate territory under British rule, noting that the United Kingdom recognized Somaliland as an independent state in 1960, before it voluntarily united with the former Italian-administered Somalia.
He argued that the subsequent union had failed, reinforcing Somaliland’s position that its political status should reflect the wishes of its people.
His remarks come amid continued efforts by Somaliland to secure international recognition and strengthen its diplomatic relationships, with supporters arguing that its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Red Sea makes it an important partner in regional security and international trade.
The proposed name, “The Red Sea Republic,” would place greater emphasis on Somaliland’s maritime geography and distinguish it more clearly from Somalia in international affairs. However, Hersi presented it as a possible option rather than an adopted official name.