Somalia : U.S. Not Rushing to Recognize Somaliland After Israel’s Move, Trump Says

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said the United States will not move quickly to follow Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland’s independence, signaling caution on an issue he described as requiring further study and assessment.

Speaking to U.S. media, Trump acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to persuade Washington to mirror Tel Aviv’s move but said the matter remains politically and geographically complex.

Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland. Netanyahu said he would personally convey Israel’s position to Trump during a meeting expected next week and told Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi that Israel supports Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords.

Trump, however, indicated that his talks with Netanyahu would focus primarily on the Gaza Strip, where the United States played a visible role in brokering an October ceasefire and supports a United Nations-approved reconstruction framework. Asked directly about recognizing Somaliland, Trump responded briefly: “No — it’s still under review.”

The U.S. president also downplayed Somaliland’s request for potential access to a port or a military facility near the Gulf of Aden, describing the proposal as a lower priority at this time.

Last month, U.S. Africa Command chief Gen. Dagvin Anderson visited Somaliland, a move that raised expectations in Hargeisa for closer ties with Washington. On Capitol Hill, some Republican lawmakers have previously introduced legislation supportive of Somaliland’s recognition.

Somaliland, a former British protectorate, has operated separately from the rest of Somalia since 1991, holding elections and maintaining peaceful transfers of power. The Federal Government in Mogadishu continues to reject secession, a position strongly echoed by Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has emphasized Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Although Trump earlier this year said the United States was “looking at” the possibility of recognizing Somaliland, his latest comments suggest Washington is not prepared to make a swift decision and that the issue remains in a phase of review and political consultation.

GAROWE ONLINE