Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland; Trump 'not ready'

Trump asked about Somaliland recognition at Oval Office At an Oval Office signing ceremony Aug. 8 with the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, President Trump was asked about recognizing Somaliland. Israel has officially become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, marking a significant diplomatic development for the state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision Friday, Dec. 26, along with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar and the president of the Republic of Somaliland. Israel and Somaliland signed a mutual declaration "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords," which were brokered by President Trump. IS TRUMP CONSIDERING BOLD AFRICA PLAY TO PUSH BACK ON CHINA, RUSSIA AND ISLAMIC TERRORISTS? Sa’ar shared in a statement on X that relations between Somaliland and Israel have grown, "based on extensive and ongoing dialogue." Full diplomatic relations include Israel’s appointment of ambassadors and opening of embassies in the state, according to Sa’ar. Somaliland's President, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, said in a statement that the Republic of Somaliland, "warmly welcomes and deeply appreciates" Israel’s decision to recognize the state’s sovereignty. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a joint agreement recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign nation Friday, Dec. 26. (Benjamin Netanyahu via X) "This recognition represents a milestone in Somaliland’s longstanding pursuit of international legitimacy, reaffirming its historical, legal and moral entitlement to statehood," Abdullahi said in the statement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Somaliland said this decision was a "constructive contribution to peace, stability and cooperation" in the Horn of Africa and across the Middle East in a release issued Friday. US DRAMATICALLY ESCALATES SOMALIA AIRSTRIKES AS TRUMP ADMIN TARGETS ISIS, AL QAEDA TERRORISTS "The Republic of Somaliland hereby expresses its firm intention to accede the Abraham Accords, ... Somaliland looks forward to engaging with the State of Israel on the foundation of formal diplomatic relations and mutual recognition," said Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shortly after Israel’s decision, South Sudan reportedly became the second country to officially recognize Somaliland, with some now questioning whether the U.S. will follow suit. President Donald Trump was reportedly "looking into" the recognition of Somaliland in August. The official recognition would land the U.S. a new foothold in the Horn of Africa through a new air and sea base near the entrance of the Red Sea at Berbera Port. President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the West Wing of the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 29, 2025 (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) When asked about the state’s recognition and the potential resettlement of Gazans there, Trump told reporters Aug. 8, "We’re looking into that right now." This would position U.S. defense forces directly across from Yemen and the Houthi fighters , an armed political group prominently known for its attacks against Israel and shipping in the Red Sea, according to reports. Thirty percent of the world’s container ship traffic is reported to pass through its waters en route to or from the Suez Canal, according...

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