Hundreds of people have taken to the streets of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, waving United States and Somaliland flags after US President Donald Trump described the breakaway region as “a totally different country” from Somalia.
The rally, held on Wednesday, followed Trump’s remarks during an event in Ohio on Monday, which supporters in Somaliland interpreted as a possible step towards international recognition.
Somaliland operates its own administration and is widely regarded as more stable and democratic than much of Somalia, although its quest for broader international recognition has remained largely unsuccessful.
Reacting to Trump’s comments, the Somaliland authorities said in a post on X on Tuesday that his remarks “underscore Somaliland’s distinct identity and its separate political reality”, reaffirming the region’s determination to secure international recognition.
“Donald Trump’s statement marks the beginning of US recognition for Somaliland,” said Ali Hashi, one of the participants at the rally in Hargeisa’s Kheyriyadda Square.
The crowd reportedly chanted slogans including “Victory to Somaliland” and “Long live America”.
Another participant, Ilhaan Abdirahman, described the US president’s remarks as a major development, expressing hope that Washington could formally recognise the region.
“We deserve recognition because we are distinct from Somalia in every respect,” she said.
University student Mohamed Yasin also welcomed Trump’s comments.
“It feels as though Somaliland has already been recognised. It is a cause for celebration and a major victory for us,” he said.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained its own government, currency, passport and security forces.
Its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden has also attracted international interest.
Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025, a move that drew condemnation from Somalia, the African Union and the Arab League.
However, hopes that other countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, would follow Israel’s lead have yet to materialise.
Supporters of Somaliland’s independence point to its strategic importance for military and commercial activities along the Gulf of Aden, as well as its relative political stability in a volatile region.
Nevertheless, its bid for statehood remains controversial, with Somalia strongly opposing secession and the African Union expressing concerns that recognising breakaway territories could encourage similar movements elsewhere on the continent.
President Trump’s latest remarks have therefore renewed optimism among Somaliland supporters, although no formal announcement of US recognition has been made.
