Somaliland, also known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa. (Photo: Reuters) A day after Israel became the first UN member state to recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent country, even the US, its closest ally, is refusing to follow suit. When asked if he would recognise Somaliland, Donald Trump told The New York Post, “No, comma, not at this…” before changing his answer to: “Just say, ‘No.’”
“Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?,” he asked further.
Trump told the New York Post he won’t recognize Somaliland as a state. “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” Trump asked https://t.co/MGSZPkbKzh
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) December 27, 2025
Republic of Somaliland
Somaliland, also known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa, which is internationally recognised as part of Somalia.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in May 1991 following the Somali Civil War and has remained de facto independent ever since.
Reaction to Israeli recognition of Somaliland
The Israeli recognition of Somaliland’s independence has, however, not gone down well with its Arab neighbours.
Several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, has rjected the move, calling it violations of international law.
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“The Kingdom expresses its rejection of the announcement of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region, considering it an action that entrenches unilateral secessionist measures that violate the international law,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that is affirms full support for the sovereignty of the brotherly Federal Republic of Somalia, and for its unity and territorial integrity.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit also condemned what he described as a provocative Israeli assault on the sovereignty of an Arab and African state.
The African Union warned that it would set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications.
Israel wanted to deport Gazans to Somaliland
The Palestinian Mission at the UN also issued a statement condemning the Israeli recognition of Somaliland. It pointed out that Israel had previously used the name Somaliland as a destination for the deportation of members of our Palestinian people, especially from the Gaza Strip.
🇵🇸 🇸🇴 “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates recalls that Israel had previously used the name Somaliland as a destination for the deportation of members of our Palestinian people, especially from the Gaza Strip. Accordingly, the State of Palestine affirms its total… https://t.co/DyAPGtmWHB
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) December 27, 2025
“The State of Palestine affirms its total rejection of Israeli plans for the forced deportation of our people, or under any other pretexts, and considers it a red line, while warning against anyone’s alignment with these rejected propositions,” it said in a statement.
