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Across Somaliland, a nation with a rich history of resilience and self-sufficiency, 6.2 million citizens celebrate the return of President Trump with enthusiasm. But why is this small, relatively unknown country in East Africa rallying behind Trump’s “America First” agenda?
A History of Struggle and Sovereignty
The Republic of Somaliland is an East African state, roughly the size of Texas which gained its independence from the British on June 26th, 1960, and restored its sovereignty on May 18, 1991, following a 30-year illegal annexation by what many know as Somalia.
Following a brutal genocide perpetrated by Somalia under dictator Siad Barre, Somalilanders managed to not only restore self-rule, but they have built a flourishing democracy with little help from the international community.
Many media outlets have been struggling to pin-down why this east African nation – which most Americans probably know little if anything of – are today celebrating the return of President Trump.
Somaliland’s Alignment with the “America First” Agenda
Many Somalilanders hope that Trump’s “America First” policy will signal a shift in U.S. African policy, moving away from supporting the failed Somalian government in Mogadishu towards building a strategic partnership with Somaliland.
The belief across Somaliland is that this new direction is an opportunity to align U.S. and Somaliland interests more closely, with a focus on mutual benefits such as regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and economic growth.
Like the United States, Somaliland has recently elected a new President, with the month-old administration banking on the countries positive track record translating into a mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S.
Somaliland’s government believes that if America prioritises its national interests, it will recognise Somaliland’s sovereignty and bolster direct engagement.
Somaliland’s Strategic Importance
Somaliland’s “Trump” card is that it offers the U.S. an alternative to the heavily congested tiny African state of Djibouti. Its port at Berbera, located at the mouth of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, is crucial for global trade and security. Additionally, as the regions only functioning democracy, its strategic location and close ties to Taiwan positions Somaliland as a natural strategic ally for the U.S. in countering China’s growing influence in Africa.
Despite tensions with China over its relations with Taiwan, Somaliland continues to stand firm, despite continuous Chinese threats as well as reports suggesting China is actively arming terrorist groups in Somaliland at the behest of Somalia to destabilise the country.
Frustration with the Biden Administration’s Africa Policy
Somalilanders have been left perplexed by the Biden administrations insistence on a ‘One Somalia’ policy, which by any metric, has been a catastrophic failure, resulting in American taxpayers pouring billions into a black whole, leaving Somaliland feeling sidelined despite its stability and democratic progress.
Somalia’s politicians have successfully influenced American policymakers under President Biden, weaponizing the threat of terrorism from Somalia to justify sidelining Somaliland.
By utilising the likes of Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Somalia has succeeded in doing the unthinkable, persuading America to adopt policies that diverge from its strategic national interests. This divergence appears to be driven by a fear of potential security related reprisals from a country that depends on international donor funding for 70% of its budget, raising questions about the effectiveness of current U.S. policy in the region.
Growing Support for Somaliland in the U.S.
In recent years, many influential Republicans aligned with President Trump have recognised the shortcomings of the current U.S. approach to Africa, frequently highlighting Somaliland’s credentials as a viable, long-term strategic partner. They argue that recognition of Somaliland could better align U.S. interests in the region, offering stability, counterterrorism collaboration, and a reliable ally in the Horn of Africa.
One recent notable example is Congressman John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, who wrote a letter to outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling for the U.S. to open a representative office in Somaliland, to counter rising Chinese influence in the region.
Additionally, the potential appointment of pro-Somaliland officials like Ambassadors Tibor Nagy and J. Peter Pham in a second Trump administration could lead to a more sympathetic U.S. policy toward Somaliland, aligning U.S. foreign policy with the realities on the ground.
A Hopeful Future
As President Trump’s second term begins, Somalilanders remain optimistic that the “America First” agenda will lead to a more pragmatic U.S. foreign policy, one that prioritises American interests in a way that aligns closely with Somaliland’s own goals of international recognition.
Somaliland’s enthusiasm for Trump’s return is captured in President Abdirahman Irro’s congratulatory message on X, in which he expressed, “We look forward to aligning our partnership with your great country in achieving our shared values of world peace, democracy, and economic growth.” This statement captures Somaliland’s hope for a strengthened relationship with the U.S., built on mutual aspirations and shared interests.
About the Author:
Sharmake Abyan is a London-based political analyst specialising in the Horn of Africa, with a particular focus on Somaliland.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions or perspectives of Somaliland Chronicle and its staff.
