After Israel recognition, Somaliland president to make first US visit

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi is expected to travel to Washington in the coming days as Hargeisa seeks US recognition following Israel’s decision to recognise the territory. 

Israel’s KAN broadcaster first reported the development amid reports that Somaliland hopes to leverage Israel’s recognition of its independence to encourage the US to follow suit.

The broadcaster cited a source who said Abdullahi, better known as Irro, hopes to meet US President Donald Trump. 

The reported visit is likely to renew questions over Somaliland’s efforts to secure broader international recognition, more than three decades after the territory declared independence from Somalia in 1991. 

Currently Israel is the only country in the world to recognise Somaliland's independence.

However, US recognition has yet to be confirmed. Irro recently met with a US military delegation led by Claude K. Tudor Jr, commander of US Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), to discuss expanding security cooperation and shared strategic interests in the Horn of Africa. 

According to a statement issued by the Somaliland Presidency, the talks focused on maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, counterterrorism cooperation and wider regional security challenges. 

Somali media have reported however that the US has no plans to establish a military base in Somaliland, citing comments by Dagvin Anderson, commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Anderson reiterated Washington’s longstanding recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejected suggestions that the US was disengaging from Somalia or recognising Somaliland's self-declared independence. 

Washington’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty was further underscored by a US State Department report submitted to Congress in June, titled “Potential Areas for Improved US Engagement with Somaliland”. The report stated that Somaliland was part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. 

“Within that framework, the US maintains a positive, constructive relationship with Somaliland and continues to explore additional opportunities for engagement with Somaliland authorities,” the report said. 

However, it also reaffirmed “the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Somalia. 

“Somaliland authorities have encouraged US investment in minerals and outlined priorities in infrastructure, trade, and economic growth,” the report added.

“However, regional security concerns and the dispute over Somaliland’s status, including its refusal to cooperate with national authorities, present challenges for investment, banking, and trade.” 

The US position contrasts with that of its ally Israel, which recognised Somaliland in December 2025, paving the way for a swift rapprochement between the two governments. 

In June, Irro made a visit to Israel, where he was received by President Isaac Herzog and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.