Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has addressed rumors about Somaliland’s pursuit of a potential international recognition.
President Mohamud said some of President Donald Trump’s close associates support recognizing Somaliland, a breakaway region.
Despite concerns, Mohamud hopes to strengthen Somalia-U.S. relations under Trump’s administration.
“We’ve always had a strong relation with the U.S.,” President Mohamud said.
He said Somalia does not expect any negative changes from Trump.
“Somalia is one nation,” he said, “united in 1960 when Somaliland and southern Somalia formed the Somali Republic.”
He acknowledged Somaliland’s 1991 secession attempt but said his government won’t accept any division.
“It is clear that recognizing Somaliland can destabilize the region”, he added.
