U.S. President Donald Trump said he is not prepared to immediately follow Israel in recognizing Somaliland as an independent state, noting that his administration will “carefully study” the issue before taking any step.
His remarks come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had formally recognized Somaliland and would establish diplomatic relations, becoming the first country to do so. Netanyahu said he plans to brief President Trump on Somaliland’s outreach and its interest in engaging with international partners.
Despite his close relationship with Netanyahu, President Trump signaled a cautious approach, saying the United States will evaluate Israel’s position and broader regional implications before making any policy determination.
Israel’s move has triggered significant diplomatic reaction. The African Union reaffirmed its firm opposition to recognizing Somaliland, reiterating its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and warning that unilateral recognition could set a destabilizing precedent on the continent.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and has since operated as a self-governing entity with its own institutions. However, it remains internationally recognized as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Mogadishu has strongly condemned Israel’s decision, calling it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For now, Washington has not indicated any shift in its longstanding policy, with President Trump emphasizing that the matter remains under review.