In New Geopolitical Play, Trump Eyes Somaliland to Block China and Defeat Houthi

HARGEISA – April 12, 2025 — Somaliland.com

In a bold and high-stakes message posted on his official platform, TrumpsTruth.org, U.S. President Donald J. Trump declared his renewed commitment to defeating terrorism across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. His statement hints at increased U.S. military presence in the region, and comes amid growing speculation that the Trump camp may consider recognizing Somaliland’s independence in exchange for strategic access to Berbera Airport and Port on the Red Sea coast.

“Time for the terrorists to hide, but it won’t do them any good,” Trump said. “Our Warfighters, the Greatest the World has ever seen, will find them and bring them to swift Justice… We will support the Somali People, who should not allow the Houthis to embed (which they are trying to do!), to end terrorism, and bring prosperity to their Country.”

TrumpsTruth

Trump also confirmed he had removed Biden-era restrictions and reinstated the same military empowerment strategy he used against ISIS. He praised General Daniel Caine, now Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for his decisive leadership, claiming ISIS was “obliterated in three weeks” during his previous term.

Somaliland in Strategic Spotlight

Trump’s reference to the Horn of Africa, combined with recent reporting from The New York Times, points to a potential geopolitical shift. During a recent interview, Somaliland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) expressed his openness to allowing U.S. forces access to Berbera’s military base and international airport, offering the location as a forward operating point against rising threats in Somalia and Yemen.

Located just off the Gulf of Aden, Berbera offers over 850 km of coastline along one of the busiest maritime routes in the world. Its proximity to hotspots like Yemen and Somalia makes it a prime location for U.S. military logistics and surveillance, especially amid growing concern over Houthi and Al-Shabaab activities in the region.

China, Djibouti, and the Horn’s Power Balance

Washington has long expressed concern over China’s military expansion in Djibouti, where it maintains its only overseas base just miles from the U.S. installation at Camp Lemonnier. Recognition of Somaliland could provide the U.S. a counterweight in the Horn of Africa, and deny Beijing further influence over Red Sea shipping lanes.

By securing access to Berbera, the Trump team may be looking to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade, regional security, and enhanced counterterrorism capability. The offer also positions Somaliland as a key partner in regional stability—something Hargeisa has long pushed for.

A New Path for U.S. Policy?

Trump’s statements come at a time when Somaliland has grown frustrated with Washington’s continued support of Mogadishu, despite Somalia’s internal instability, extremist presence, and lack of control over large swaths of its territory. Unlike Mogadishu, Somaliland has maintained peace, democratic governance, and independent institutions for over 30 years.

In his New York Times interview, President Cirro said he believes Trump’s business-minded, security-focused leadership style “understands the opportunity that Somaliland represents”. He added that recognition would unlock regional development, bolster counterterrorism, and strengthen U.S. interests in East Africa.

As tensions escalate in the Red Sea and extremist threats spread across the Horn, Somaliland’s strategic value is rising fast—and Trump’s message may be the clearest signal yet that a shift in U.S. policy could be on the horizon.

---

For ongoing updates, follow Somaliland.com and our coverage on regional security, diplomacy, and national sovereignty.