17/01/2025
eyes recognition, pins hopes on Trump administration
"Donald is our saviour. He is a wise and practical man. God bless America," says Aisha Ismail, a university student from , Somaliland. Her voice brims with hope as she envisions the possibility of US recognition for Somaliland under Donald Trump's incoming presidency. Declaring independence 33 years ago, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto state, but remains unrecognized internationally. For many Somalilanders, Trump's reputation as a dealmaker sparks optimism for a breakthrough.
However, in , the reaction is starkly different. "I doubt Donald Trump knows what Somaliland is, never mind where it is," laments Abdi Mohamud, a data analyst, with frustration. 's government views Somaliland as an indivisible part of the nation, and fears that US recognition could destabilize the region. Somalia's State Minister Ali Mohamed Omar warns, "Any move towards recognizing Somaliland’s independence would not only contravene Somalia’s sovereignty but also destabilize the region by setting a dangerous precedent."
Republican efforts to push Somaliland recognition are gaining traction, with influential figures like Congressman Scott Perry introducing bills for formal recognition. The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" recommends acknowledging Somaliland as a strategic ally amid concerns over China's growing influence in the region. "The case for Somaliland in US terms is very compelling," argues Joshua Meservey, a key proponent of the cause, who views it as a transactional opportunity aligning with US interests.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3j1qn0499o.amp
