Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is shown on this map produced by the CIA World Factbook. The self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland is located in the northwest of Somalia. (Central Intelligence Agency)

LONDON (Tribune News Service) — Donald Trump should consider recognizing Somaliland as an independent country once he takes office, according to Britain’s former defense secretary, it was reported Tuesday.

Gavin Williamson, who served as Britain’s defense minister from 2017 to 2019, reportedly lobbied Trump’s team for recognition of the former British protectorate.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but its status remains unknown to all countries except Ethiopia and remains controversial, with Somalia claiming the territory.

Williamson, a strong advocate for Somaliland recognition, expressed optimism about progress once Trump takes office in January, and noted that Trump’s opposition to Biden’s Somalia policy could play a role in influencing the decision, The Independent reported.

“They should accept it, although when he takes office it will probably take a little longer than we hope, but we have had very good meetings with his political leaders, so we are keeping our fingers crossed,” Williamson said.

“One of Trump’s last orders as president was to withdraw his troops from Somalia, but Biden later reversed that order. There’s nothing Trump hates more than someone who ignores him, so I used that to make that argument,” he said.

Sources in Washington told The Independent that the US State Department had “warmed up” to supporting Somaliland claims in the days following Trump’s victory.

Somaliland opposition leader Abdirahman Cirro defeated incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi in last week’s elections, establishing a transfer of power as the region continues its push for global recognition.

“I’m sure this will be revisited after the inauguration. Likewise, a smooth election in Somaliland will undoubtedly, in addition to his other achievements, strengthen his case in an overall political review,” said Peter Pham, a senior advisor in the first Trump administration and former envoy American special for the Sahel region.

The Trump administration had already considered recognition during its first term, and a move to do so now would increase pressure on the United Kingdom and other countries to follow suit, according to reports.

A source at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “It would be wrong to speculate on what policy decisions President-elect Trump’s new administration might make. »

The source added: “The UK, like other members of the international community, does not recognize Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence. It is up to the authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa to resolve the status of Somaliland through dialogue and broad consultations.”

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