US President Donald Trump has addressed the question of whether the United States will support the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s move on December 26, 2025, to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize the breakaway region since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Speaking to U.S. media hours after Netanyahu’s announcement, Trump acknowledged the Israeli prime minister’s efforts to persuade his administration to follow Israel’s decision but noted that the matter remains politically and geographically complex.
“We are looking into that right now. Good question, actually. Another complex one, as you know, but we’re working on that, Somaliland,” Trump said.
Trump Addresses Potential Recognition of Somaliland as a State
Earlier, Netanyahu had told Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in a video call celebrating the diplomatic breakthrough that he would “communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accords.”
Trump, however, in a separate phone interview with a US media outlet, indicated that Netanyahu’s push did not yet sway him.
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He stressed that his discussions with the Israeli prime minister would instead prioritize the Gaza Strip, where he brokered an October ceasefire.
“Just say, ‘No, not at this’ Just say, ‘No,’” he added, later questioning, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”
Following Netanyahu’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, several diplomatic missions and heads of state have rejected the move.
Netanyahu’s Move Receives Wide Backlash
The African Union, through its Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, issued a statement on the night of December 26, reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” the statement read.
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The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel’s recognition, stating:
“We support the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of Somalia and reject the Israeli recognition of Somaliland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine affirms its absolute support for the unity, sovereignty, and political independence of Somalia, ensuring the brotherly Somali people’s right to a dignified life, security, and stability, in line with international law, Arab and international consensus resolutions, and the resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”
Meanwhile, former Somali President Mohamed Farmaajo condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, saying it violates international law.
He stressed that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia and noted that the Somali people remain firmly united in defending their country’s sovereignty.
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