President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration could move toward recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation, a move that may reshape Washington’s approach in the Horn of Africa while countering the influence of China, Russia, and armed groups operating in the region.
As reported by Hiiraan Online, Trump made the comments on August 8 during an Oval Office event when asked about Somaliland, stating: “We are studying this now, we are working on it.”
Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to gain international recognition, has offered the United States access to its port and air facilities in Berbera, situated along the Gulf of Aden across from Houthi-controlled Yemen.
The location lies on one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world and hosts one of Africa’s longest runways, suitable for U.S. military aircraft.
