Trump says does not back recognizing Somaliland after ally ‘Israel’

• ‘Israel’ became the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland's independence, a move aimed at securing a strategic maritime foothold near the Bab al-Mandab Strait but condemned by Somalia, Egypt, and Turkey as a violation of international law.
• Trump explicitly rejected following ‘Israel's’ lead, stating his opposition to US recognition of the breakaway republic in a New York Post interview despite the announcement from his ally, Benjamin Netanyahu.

President Donald Trump said he opposed US recognition of Somaliland in an interview with the New York Post published Friday, after ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister and prominent Trump ally Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would become the first to recognize it.

"No," the president told the Post when asked about US recognition of Somaliland, adding: "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?"

On Friday, 'Israel' became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize the breakaway Republic of Somaliland as an independent sovereign nation on Friday, triggering immediate diplomatic pushback from Somalia and a coalition of regional powers, including Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti.

The announcement followed a high-level video call between 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro.”

The two leaders confirmed the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including ambassadorial exchanges and the opening of embassies.

Netanyahu called the recognition a “political reality that has existed for more than three decades” and framed the decision as part of the Abraham Accords, aiming to integrate Somaliland into a growing network of 'Israeli'-aligned partnerships in the Middle East and Africa.

Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a civil war.

Despite operating with its own government, currency, and security forces, it had not received official recognition from any country until now.

Regional powers respond

The Somali government condemned the move as an “act of aggression” and a “gross violation of international law.”

Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti quickly formed a diplomatic bloc in support of Somalia, issuing a joint statement rejecting 'Israel’s' decision and reaffirming their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Analysts note 'Israel’s' decision is strategic. Somaliland’s 850-kilometer coastline along the Gulf of Aden overlooks the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key chokepoint for global trade and 'Israeli' shipping.

“By recognizing Somaliland, Israel gains a strategic foothold in one of the world’s most important maritime corridors,” said a regional security expert.

“But it risks direct confrontation with Egypt and Turkey, who see the Horn of Africa as their sphere of influence.”