Somaliland has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s remarks acknowledging it as a distinct country and called for closer engagement with Washington…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Somaliland has welcomed remarks by US President Donald Trump acknowledging it as a distinct country, describing the comments as an affirmation of its claim to sovereignty and independence. The government has called for stronger engagement with Washington, highlighting regional security, trade and investment as potential areas of cooperation.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Hargeisa on 13 October 2026, the Government of the Republic of Somaliland said Trump’s remarks affirmed what it described as a longstanding reality: that Somaliland had its own borders, constitution, democratically elected government and foreign relations.
The government said Somaliland had governed itself for more than three decades and maintained that its borders were consistent with the African Union’s principle of respecting boundaries inherited at independence.
Somaliland became independent on 26 June 1960 and restored its sovereignty within its 1960 borders on 18 May 1991, according to the statement. Since then, it said, the territory had established functioning institutions and held successive presidential, parliamentary and local elections.
The government cited the November 2024 presidential election as the sixth peaceful transfer of power, describing it as evidence of Somaliland’s democratic tradition.
The statement expressed gratitude to Trump for acknowledging Somaliland as a sovereign, independent country and said the government looked forward to working with his administration to deepen bilateral engagement. However, it did not announce a formal US decision to recognise Somaliland’s independence.
Somaliland highlights strategic importance and trade opportunities
The government highlighted Somaliland’s strategic position in the Horn of Africa, noting that its 850-kilometre coastline runs along the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important international shipping route.
It said Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor offered opportunities to expand trade and improve access to markets across the Horn of Africa.
The statement also pointed to Somaliland’s experience in counter-terrorism and maritime security, describing the territory as a potential partner in efforts to protect regional stability and international shipping.
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The government said it welcomed responsible investment in its minerals, energy, fisheries and livestock sectors, identifying these industries as potential areas for economic cooperation with international partners.
According to the statement, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, known as Irro, recently met US government officials in Washington and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, stability and constructive cooperation.
During the meetings, Irro outlined a vision for partnership with the United States based on shared interests and reciprocal benefits, including regional security, trade and investment, the statement said.
It did not provide details of any specific agreements or financial commitments resulting from the discussions.
Somaliland cites relations with Israel and Taiwan
The government also referred to its international relationships as part of its efforts to strengthen external engagement.
According to the statement, Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognise Somaliland on 26 December 2025. The government also highlighted its established partnership with Taiwan.
Somaliland has sought wider international recognition of its independence for decades, while its political status remains a significant diplomatic issue in the Horn of Africa.
The latest statement presented Trump’s remarks as an opportunity to deepen Somaliland’s engagement with the United States and expand cooperation with countries sharing its regional and economic interests.
The government reiterated its commitment to peaceful relations with neighbouring countries and said differences should be resolved through respectful dialogue.
It also stressed that its international partnerships were intended to support regional security, economic development and stability.
The statement concluded by thanking Trump for his remarks and expressing hope that his administration would work with Somaliland to develop closer ties.
While the announcement signals Somaliland’s efforts to strengthen relations with Washington, the statement did not specify any change in US diplomatic policy or confirm formal American recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
