The global landscape is shifting. Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger’s assertion that the White House is ushering in a “new era” of international relations signals a pivotal moment. The Trump presidency, despite its controversies, undeniably opened doors for global nations, including Somaliland, to assert their roles on the world stage.
Under Trump’s administration, several key opportunities emerged. His push for a transactional foreign policy emphasized pragmatic alliances, allowing smaller nations to negotiate from positions of strategic value. The Abraham Accords transformed Middle Eastern diplomacy, proving that new alliances could break old paradigms. Trump’s stance on challenging China’s influence created openings for nations like Somaliland to position themselves as strategic partners in regions of geopolitical interest, including the Horn of Africa. Additionally, his administration’s focus on counterterrorism in Africa reinforced the need for reliable and stable allies, a role Somaliland is well-suited to fill.
As Europe braces for a resurgent Russia and the U.S. aligns its UN stance, Turkey is positioning itself as the EU’s potential savior amid the Ukraine crisis. President Erdogan’s bold claim that only Turkey can rescue the EU by revitalizing its defense and addressing its demographic challenges underscores Ankara’s strategic ambitions. His vision hinges on Turkey’s EU membership, reflecting a broader desire for influence and integration into European decision-making.
Meanwhile, the Horn of Africa is grappling with multifaceted threats. The Houthi insurgency in Yemen continues to destabilize the region, contributing to insecurity along the Red Sea and complicating maritime trade routes. ISIS’s presence in parts of Africa further exacerbates instability, as the group seeks to exploit local conflicts and governance gaps. At the same time, China’s expanding influence through investments, infrastructure projects, and strategic partnerships adds another layer of complexity to regional geopolitics. Beijing’s ambitions in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, including its military base in Djibouti, signal long-term strategic interests.
Addressing these challenges requires a broad international coalition to de-escalate conflicts and promote stability. However, such efforts cannot succeed without intensive U.S. diplomatic support.
For Somaliland, this evolving geopolitical reality presents a unique opportunity. As the world recalibrates, it is the time to renew existing efforts and aggressively pursue international recognition. Somaliland must leverage global shifts to amplify its voice and demonstrate its value as a stable, democratic partner in a volatile region. As Turkey offers protection in exchange for EU membership, Somaliland must put on the table a stake that will yield the long-awaited recognition. Materializing the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would further bolster Somaliland’s strategic position, enhancing economic and political ties with a key regional player.
Our path forward demands proactive diplomacy, strengthened alliances, and an unwavering commitment to our vision of recognition. The world is changing—Somaliland must not only adapt but lead.
By Abdirashid Ibrahim
Former Director-General at the Ministries of Social Affairs and Trade
