By Shire Abdi - Reporter
United States, 27 December 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump said he will not immediately follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing Somaliland’s independence, further complicating the issue that has caused a global diplomatic firestorm.
"I have to study Netanyahu’s pitch. I’ve known him for a long time, but I’ll have to carefully consider what he’s proposing," Trump told The New York Postin an exclusive interview at his golf couse in West Palm Beach hours after Israel made the announcement on Friday.
Trump further questioned the Israeli decision asking; “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”
Trumps remarks stands in stark contrast to Israel’s rapid recognition, which was formalized in a groundbreaking video conference between Netanyahu and Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah 'Irro'.
The United State's cautionary approach is expect to further deepen the controversy, which has put Israel at the centre of a global diplomatic fight.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland was hailed as a historic diplomatic breakthrough, positioning the self-declared republic as a key player in the Horn of Africa. The official declaration was seen as a major shift in international recognition, setting the stage for increased diplomatic ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated President Irro's for his leadership and invited him for an official visit to Israel to discuss areas of mutual interest.
In resoonse, Irro thanked Netanyahu for the historic decision, acknowledging Israel’s leadership in promoting peace and security in the region.
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“This is a significant step not just for Somaliland, but for the stability and future of the entire Horn of Africa,” he said.
However, Trump’s remarks cast a shadow over the diplomatic celebration. His skepticism about Somaliland’s recognition raises questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Horn of Africa and whether Washington will follow Israel’s lead.
Somaliland has long fought for international recognition, yet the U.S. remains one of the major powers yet to officially acknowledge its sovereignty.
In response to Trump’s comments, Somaliland’s foreign ministry reiterated its call for peaceful diplomatic engagement with all nations, including the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Abdirahman stressed the importance of recognition for Somaliland's continued stability and its role in regional peace.
"Somaliland’s resilience and governance over the years demonstrate its readiness for full recognition as a sovereign state," he said.
As the international community watches closely, Israel’s recognition represents a dramatic shift in Somaliland’s diplomatic fortunes. The hope is that this breakthrough will inspire more nations to reconsider their stance and ultimately grant Somaliland the recognition it has long sought.
Dawan Africa will continue to track the evolving diplomatic landscape and its implications for Somaliland's future on the world stage.
