Somaliland President Urges Trump to Recognize Nation, Cites Strategic Port and Security Benefits

While attending the United Nations General Assembly, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi told reporters that Donald Trump is a “great man” who could make history by formally recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. He argued that U.S. recognition would deepen cooperation on counter-terrorism, piracy deterrence and the development of the Berbera port, which is already handling large container traffic for global shipping firms.

Abdullahi pointed to Israel’s late-2025 recognition as an “icebreaker” and said the nation is positioning itself as a logistical hub for landlocked Ethiopia and broader East Africa. He described a recent U.S. visit that included meetings with congress members, the State Department and other agencies, and expressed satisfaction with one outlet level of engagement despite no recognition yet. The president also offered 2,000 peacekeeping troops for Gaza under a plan led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and called for partnership in trade and security rather than aid. He highlighted Africa’s $400 billion investment flow and the heightened strategic importance of Somaliland amid tensions in Yemen and the Strait of Hormuz.