World · Africa · 1 hr ago
Trump calls Somaliland a separate country and suggests renaming it
US President Donald Trump said Somaliland is a separate country, while suggesting it should be called “Somalia Land.”
Somaliland is a breakaway territory on the Gulf of Aden, across from Yemen.
It declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the two territories united in 1960 and years of conflict followed.
Israel is the only country stated to have recognised Somaliland, and it did so in December 2025.
Somaliland welcomed Trump’s comments as support for its separate identity and its effort to gain wider recognition.
It is unclear whether the remarks will change US policy toward Somaliland.
The territory has drawn attention because of its long coastline and the strategic port of Berbera, where Israel is considering a military base alongside the UAE.
US President Donald Trump said Somaliland is “a totally different country” and suggested it change its name to “Somalia Land”.
He made the remarks at a rally in Ohio.
Somaliland welcomed the comments, saying they underscored its distinct identity and separate political reality.
It said it would continue seeking international recognition through diplomacy.
It is unclear whether Trump’s remarks will lead to a change in US policy.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump made the remarks. Somaliland’s government responded.
- What
- Trump described Somaliland as a separate country and suggested renaming it “Somalia Land”.
- When
- Trump spoke on Monday, according to Middle East Eye. The article was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- At a rally in Ohio.
- Why
- Trump said Somaliland was “a totally different country”. A fuller reason for his proposed name change was Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Israel recognised Somaliland, according to Middle East Eye.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi visited the United States.
Trump said at a rally in Ohio that Somaliland was a separate country and should change its name.
The Republic of Somaliland shared a video of Trump’s remarks and issued a statement.
- Suggested name
- Somalia Land
- Rally location
- Ohio
- Article publication date
- 13 October 2026
- Somaliland president
- Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi
- Israel’s recognition
- December 2025
What people are saying
I call it Somalia Land, not Somaliland, because actually it's a totally different country. Some people like Somaliland that has nothing to do,
US President Donald Trump’s remarks underscore Somaliland’s distinct identity and its separate political reality,
The Republic of Somaliland remains steadfast in its pursuit of international recognition through principled diplomacy and constructive international engagement,
Sources
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