Trump: Not Ready to Recognize 'Somaliland'... and the Somali Government Rejects Israeli Recognition

US President Donald Trump announced that he is not ready to recognize the independence of "Somaliland" at this time, unlike Israel, which became the first country in the world to recognize "Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state" yesterday Friday.

This comes as the Somali government, on Friday evening, confirmed its "categorical" rejection of Israel's declaration recognizing the independence of "Somaliland," emphasizing that Somalia is "one country," and the Israeli recognition is considered "null and void."

Trump told an American newspaper that he "will not rush to follow in the footsteps of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing the independence of Somaliland, noting that the matter requires more research and study."

Trump wondered: "Does anyone really know what Somaliland is?"

Yesterday Friday, Netanyahu recognized the independence of "Somaliland," pledging to President of Somaliland Abdurahman Mohamed Abdullahi to convey a message on this matter to Trump during their scheduled meeting next Monday in Florida.

Netanyahu said during a video call with Somaliland President Abdurahman Mohamed Abdullahi: "I will convey to President Trump your readiness and desire to join the Abraham Accords."

However, Trump confirmed that he is not influenced by this proposal, indicating that his talks with Netanyahu will focus on the Gaza sector.

The US President did not show enthusiasm for the offer of "Somaliland" to host an American military port near the entrance to the Red Sea, saying dismissively: "Not a big deal. Everything is under study. I study many things and always make great decisions, and their results are correct."

For its part, the office of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stated in a statement that "the Federal Republic of Somalia renews its absolute and non-negotiable commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity," describing Israel's recognition of the independence of "Somaliland" as "a deliberate attack on Somalia's sovereignty and an illegal step."

The statement affirmed that "the Somaliland region is an integral part of the sovereign territories of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and it is not permissible to separate or dispose of it," adding that the federal government confirms that Somalia is "one sovereign state that cannot be divided, and any recognition that seeks to undermine this reality is null and void."

The government warned that "such unlawful actions (Israel's recognition) seriously undermine regional peace and stability, and exacerbate political and security tensions in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Middle East, and the entire region."

It emphasized that such actions "contradict the collective responsibilities of states in combating terrorism, including Al-Shabaab and ISIS, and threaten to create favorable conditions for terrorist groups to exploit political instability and undermine efforts made to achieve peace and security."

The government affirmed its determination to "take all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures, in accordance with international law, to defend its sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized borders."

It also called on the Republic of Somalia "all countries and international partners to respect international law, adhere to the principles of non-interference and regional integrity, and act responsibly for the sake of peace, stability, and security in the Horn of Africa."

Since declaring its secession from Somalia in 1991, the "Somaliland" region, which does not enjoy official recognition, has acted as an administratively, politically, and security-wise independent entity, with the central government unable to extend its control over the region, or its leadership to achieve independence.

The Somali government refuses to recognize the Somaliland region as an independent state, considers it an integral part of the territories of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and views any deal or direct dealings with it as an assault on the country's sovereignty and unity.