Saturday January 25, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland's Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Ali Ayale, has called US President Donald J. Trump to recognize the breakaway region as an independent state.
"Donald Trump, known for telling the truth and his decisive leadership, has become US President. We are saying recognize Somaliland to exchange mutual interests. Recognizing Somaliland will change the world," Ayale said during a press briefing.
Speculation surrounding US recognition of Somaliland has intensified in recent months, fueled by reports suggesting that Trump's presidency could bring unprecedented policy shifts. Although there is no concrete indication of such a move, Somaliland politicians remain optimistic about the potential for US recognition under Trump's leadership.
The recognition campaign is supported by heightened US concerns over China's growing influence in the Horn of Africa. While China has cultivated close ties with Somalia's federal government, Somaliland views the geopolitical tension as an opportunity to position itself as a strategic partner for Washington.
In a related development, the Somali Embassy in Washington, D.C., has taken steps to strengthen its lobbying efforts under the Trump administration. Somali Ambassador to the United States, Dahir Abdi, recently hired the BGR Group, a prominent lobbying firm, under a $600,000 contract.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia's central government. While it operates as a de facto independent state with its own government, currency, and security apparatus, Somaliland's independence has yet to be recognized by any country, including the United States.