Somalia: Trump Calls Somaliland a 'Totally Different Country'
Trump’s remarks followed Somaliland’s push for U.S. recognition and highlighted its separate government, military and currency, with Israel already recognizing it in 2025.
- On Monday, President Donald Trump described Somaliland as "a totally different country" during a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, suggesting the territory should change its name immediately.
- The remarks followed a direct appeal from Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, who urged Trump to recognize the territory during a late September interview in Manhattan.
- Somaliland restored its independence in 1991, though only Israel has formally recognized the state; the region holds strategic value due to its long coastline on the Gulf of Aden.
- The Republic shared a video of the rally on Tuesday, stating they remain "steadfast in its pursuit of international recognition through principled diplomacy and constructive international engagement."
- Trump's comments arrive amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, where Egypt is sending troops to Somalia while instability persists near the Gulf of Aden.
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24 Articles
'Ilhan Omar goes back to Somalia…': Trump torches Congresswoman in fiery rant
US President Donald Trump described Somaliland as a “ninth-rate country” during a campaign rally on 14 October, renewing hopes among Somaliland supporters for US recognition. The remarks came during attacks on Somali immigrants ahead of the November midterm elections, rather than a formal announcement of foreign policy.
Trump calls Somaliland ‘a totally different country’ as Hargeisa offers US mining rights in exchange for recognition
Credit: bne IntelliNewsTrump’s off-the-cuff remark (and transactional nature) has raised hopes in Hargeisa that the US will become the second country after Israel to recognise the breakaway republic.
On Monday, October 12, 2026, during a rally in Ohio for the mid-term elections, Donald Trump referred to Somaliland as a country. This self-proclaimed republic separated from Somalia in 1991. For the time being, only Israel recognizes it. But the words of the US President have raised much hope in Somaliland.
POLITICS: Somaliland Celebrates After Trump Calls It a ‘Totally Different Country’ From Somalia – The Beltway Report
President Donald Trump drew praise from the government of Somaliland after he said during a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, that Somaliland was “a totally different country” from Somalia. Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a press release welcoming the remarks, saying they affirm what it calls a longstanding reality about the territory’s status. “The Government of the Republic of Somaliland warmly welcomes U…
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