Officials hail the U.S. president’s comments as a step toward international recognition.
On Tuesday, Hussein Deyr, spokesperson for the presidency of the separatist region of Somaliland, welcomed recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the territory’s independent status from Somalia.
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During a rally, Trump said he refers to the territory as “Somalia Land” rather than Somaliland because “it’s actually a totally different country” that “has nothing to do with it,” further suggesting that “they should change the name immediately.”
“The proud, resilient people of the Republic of Somaliland, at home and across the world, extend their profound gratitude to U.S. President Donald J. Trump for bringing global attention to the fundamental differences between Somaliland and Somalia: They are two separate countries with distinct identities and political realities,” Deyr posted on X.
“Mr. President, thank you for articulating a truth the world has overlooked for 35 years. Our nation’s identity, sovereignty, and aspirations cannot be erased by silence or denial,” he added.
Meanwhile, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency, Jadar Husein Abdi, said on social media that “for the first time in history, a sitting U.S. president has publicly recognized Somaliland as a country separate from Somalia.”
‘We have to ask why Israel is running to control the Horn of Africa? Why do they need a base in Somaliland?’
– Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Salehhttps://t.co/1pmaQwBYv0— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) September 13, 2026
Abdi described the development as a “significant moment in Somaliland’s diplomatic journey” and expressed confidence that “formal U.S. recognition of the Republic of Somaliland is on the horizon.”
Trump’s “recognition” came after Israel became the first country to officially recognize the breakaway region as an independent state in December 2025.
The strategic rapprochement between Israel and Somaliland triggered a wave of international condemnation. The African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, China and blocs led by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt rejected the move in defense of Somalia’s territorial integrity, calling it a “dangerous precedent” and a “flagrant violation” of Somali sovereignty.
Somaliland, which was a British protectorate until 1960, declared its separation from Somalia in 1991 following the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Unlike the rest of Somalia, which has since been plagued by conflict and violence perpetrated by the jihadist group Al Shabab, Somaliland enjoys relative peace and has its own institutions, constitution and currency, although it lacked international legitimacy until Israel’s recognition.
In April, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the appointment of Michael Lotem as Israel’s first ambassador to the territory. In June, Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem, a city Israel considers its sole and indivisible capital, a position that most of the international community does not recognize.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
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