Sunday April 13, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro described U.S. President Donald Trump's re-election as the "greatest opportunity" for his self-declared republic to gain formal international recognition, highlighting Trump's reputation as a pragmatic negotiator.
Speaking to The New York Times ahead of his planned trip to Washington in July, Cirro emphasized that Trump's business-oriented mindset might be key to realizing Somaliland's long-standing ambition. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has never received international recognition despite operating independently with its own government, currency, and military.
"My people and I strongly believe President Trump's business-oriented mindset will pave the way for our recognition," Cirro stated. "This is the greatest opportunity we have ever had."
Cirro's remarks suggest Somaliland aims to capitalize on Trump's reputation as a pragmatic negotiator. Analysts indicate Somaliland may offer strategic incentives.
Somaliland officials hope to negotiate a deal offering the United States strategic access to the Berbera port and airport—located along the Gulf of Aden, a crucial global shipping route frequently targeted by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Berbera International Airport, with its 2.6-mile runway, previously served as a Cold War-era military installation built by the Soviet Union and was recently upgraded by the United Arab Emirates.
Somaliland's overtures come amid heightened U.S. concerns about security risks in neighbouring Somalia and strained ties with Djibouti, where growing Chinese military influence and restrictions on U.S. military operations have prompted Washington to seek alternative bases in the region.
Experts associated with Project 2025, Trump's policy initiative, noted Berbera's existing military infrastructure as strategically attractive to the U.S. These groups advocate a shift from the U.S. "One Somalia" policy, arguing that it inadvertently benefits Chinese interests. Somaliland has strategically positioned itself as an ally opposed to Chinese expansion, notably through maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 2020.
Somalia's federal government strongly opposes Somaliland's bid for recognition and has intensified lobbying efforts to prevent U.S. diplomatic support for Hargeisa. According to Reuters and Semafor, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently urged Trump to refrain from recognizing Somaliland, instead proposing U.S. control over strategic ports and airports—including facilities under Somaliland's jurisdiction.
In January 2024, Somaliland signed a controversial naval facility agreement with Ethiopia, drawing international attention and triggering a diplomatic standoff with Somalia. Although Ethiopia did not formally recognize Somaliland, the episode underscored Somaliland's strategic regional importance.
Observers caution, however, that formal recognition could destabilize the region, emboldening extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and triggering diplomatic tensions with key U.S. allies, including Turkey, Egypt, and the African Union, who oppose secessionist precedents.
Somaliland's Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Bakal confirmed a high-level delegation from Somaliland will travel to the United States in May, followed by President Cirro's visit to Washington in July, reinforcing Somaliland's ongoing diplomatic push for recognition.