By John Ikani
Donald Trump is reportedly considering the official recognition of Somaliland, a former British protectorate, as an independent country, according to a former UK defence secretary who has been advocating for the move.
Sir Gavin Williamson shared with The Independent that he had discussed the issue with Trump’s team, emphasizing Somaliland’s strategic importance along the Red Sea.
He expressed confidence that once Trump takes office in January, the U.S. president will prioritize this matter.
As a prominent supporter of Somaliland’s quest for recognition, Sir Gavin has championed the cause, despite the region’s lack of widespread international acknowledgment since it effectively separated from Somalia in 1991.
This development has placed Labour in an uncomfortable position, as it becomes increasingly clear that a senior Tory figure is working to influence U.S. foreign policy, which may pressure the UK to revise its own stance on the issue.
Sir Gavin revealed that he had been in discussions with Trump’s advisors long before the election was decided, underscoring the continuity of his advocacy.
He remarked: “They should agree to it though when he assumes office it will probably all take a little longer than we hope. But had really good meetings with his policy leads so fingers crossed.”
He added: “One of Trump’s last orders as president was to withdraw troops from Somalia but then Biden countermanded that order. There is nothing that Trump hates more than someone overruling him so I used that to push the argument.”
The timing of this push coincides with Somaliland’s successful elections, where opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi secured victory with a strong mandate of 53 percent of the vote.
Somaliland, which shares historical ties with the UK as a former part of its empire, remains unrecognized by all countries except Ethiopia, which struck a deal with the region for access to its port city of Berbera.
The agreement, signed in early January, created tensions with Somalia, which still claims Somaliland as part of its territory following the union of the two regions in 1960.
Efforts to secure Somaliland’s recognition have been thwarted in the past, especially under the Obama administration, which sided with Somalia’s claim. President Biden has maintained this position, despite Somalia’s struggles with piracy, terrorism, and reports of potential links to militant groups like the Houthis and al-Shabaab.
During his first term, Trump showed signs of being open to recognizing Somaliland, but the matter remained unresolved following his 2020 defeat. If Trump pushes forward with this recognition, it could force the UK to reconsider its position.
Sir Gavin’s involvement with Somaliland dates back to his tenure as defense secretary from 2017 to 2019, when he visited the region. He has since become a leading advocate for Somaliland in Parliament, frequently visiting the country and receiving honorary citizenship for his contributions.
Supporters hope that formal recognition would facilitate a partnership allowing Western allies to utilize Berbera port for strategic operations in the Red Sea, a growing hotspot for international conflicts.
The UK’s refusal to recognize Somaliland’s independence has been a point of contention, especially given the country’s stable governance and regular elections. This stance was reaffirmed under David Cameron’s foreign secretaryship, despite Somaliland’s positive track record.
Earlier this year, Liverpool City Council became the first UK government body to officially recognize Somaliland, a move aimed at increasing visibility for the issue and challenging Labour’s reluctance to address it.
Washington sources have indicated that the U.S. State Department may be warming to the idea of supporting Somaliland’s recognition, especially after Trump’s electoral victory.
Peter Pham, a former U.S. special envoy and senior official during Trump’s administration, noted: “I am sure this will be up for review after the inauguration. Similarly, a smooth election in Somaliland will, in addition to its other achievements, undoubtedly strengthen its case in an overall policy review.”
A spokesperson from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: “It would be wrong to speculate on any policy decisions that the incoming administration of President-elect Trump may make.
“The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence. It is for authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa to resolve Somaliland’s status through dialogue and broad consultation.”
