The Somaliland Ohio Association (SOA) has welcomed what it described as an encouraging statement by U.S. President Donald J. Trump recognizing the distinction between Somaliland and Somalia, expressing hope that the remarks will pave the way for stronger bilateral cooperation and eventual U.S. recognition of the Republic of Somaliland.
In an official statement dated October 13, 2026, the association’s chairman, Faisal Suubane, expressed appreciation to Trump for addressing what he described as an important historical and political issue.
“President Trump’s remarks reflect a growing understanding of Somaliland’s unique history, people, and political reality,” Suubane said, adding that the president’s leadership and attention to the issue were valued by Somalilanders in the United States, particularly the Somaliland community in Ohio.
The association reiterated its position that Somaliland’s sovereignty dates to June 26, 1960, when the former British Somaliland Protectorate gained independence as the sovereign State of Somaliland, before the subsequent union with Somalia on July 1, 1960.
It argued that the union lacked the necessary legal foundation, maintaining that the two states never executed a mutually agreed and legally ratified Act of Union and that the arrangement did not lawfully extinguish Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Somaliland reaffirmed and restored its independence on May 18, 1991, and has since developed its own governing institutions and a political system that the association described as peaceful, stable and democratic.
The statement also highlighted Somaliland’s record over more than three decades, citing its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, peaceful transfers of power, human rights, religious tolerance and regional security.
“Its people continue to show resilience and responsibility, making Somaliland a reliable partner for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa,” the statement said.
The association expressed hope that Trump’s remarks would usher in a new phase of relations between Washington and Hargeisa, spanning diplomacy, security, trade and investment.
It said it hoped these developments would eventually lead to full U.S. recognition of the Republic of Somaliland.
“On behalf of the Somaliland Ohio Association and our members across Ohio, I thank President Trump for his leadership and welcome this encouraging message with great hope and appreciation,” Suubane said.