U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for Somalia’s unity and stability in a statement shared on Truth Social, sending a clear message of solidarity with the Somali people. In his remarks, Trump emphasized that “we will support the Somali People” and warned against allowing groups like the Houthis to gain a foothold in the country. “We must bring prosperity to Somalia and end terrorism,” he wrote, framing Somalia as a nation deserving peace, unity, and international backing.

This message, seemingly brief, marks a significant diplomatic signal—particularly as it aligns with the Somali federal government’s recent political and symbolic gains in the long-contested city of Las Anod, where the local population has rejected the authority of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.

Las Anod Uprising Shakes Somaliland’s Image
In early 2023, the people of Las Anod—located in the Sool region—rose up against Somaliland’s administration, demanding reintegration with the Somali federal government. Protests erupted across the city, and traditional elders and community leaders declared their withdrawal from Somaliland’s authority.

The movement dealt a major blow to Somaliland’s narrative of autonomy and governance, as Las Anod had been one of the key urban centers under its de facto control.

Historic Visit After Four Decades
In a powerful show of support, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited Las Anod—marking the first official visit by a federal Somali Prime Minister to the region in over 40 years. During his address to local leaders and residents, Barre praised the people of Las Anod for their “courage and commitment to national unity” and reiterated that “Las Anod is an inseparable part of Somalia.”

The visit was seen as a formal recognition of Las Anod’s reintegration into the Somali federal fold and a major step in asserting Mogadishu’s authority in historically disputed regions.

Diplomatic Implications of Trump’s Statement
While Trump’s message focused broadly on counterterrorism and military strength, his explicit reference to supporting “the Somali People” against external threats such as the Houthis—and by implication, internal fragmentation—was read as a tacit endorsement of Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Observers noted that Trump’s language aligns with Somalia’s long-standing opposition to Somaliland’s secessionist aspirations. Some analysts believe this marks the most overt expression of U.S. political sympathy toward a “One Somalia” framework since the early 2000s.

Moreover, with increasing Gulf tensions and reports of Emirati involvement in Somali regional politics, Trump’s statement may also signal a shift in international attention back toward the Somali federal government at a crucial moment.

Erdoğan’s Influence and Somaliland’s Dilemma
It’s worth recalling that Donald Trump has openly praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing him as “a friend of mine” and “a tough and smart leader who gets things done” . Erdoğan’s influence on Trump is widely acknowledged, and his commitment to a united, terror-free Somalia is no secret. Given this relationship, it is highly likely that Erdoğan will leverage this connection to reinforce support for Somali unity and push back against separatist tendencies.

As Erdoğan continues to prioritize Somalia in Türkiye’s Africa policy, and with Trump now voicing support for Somalia’s federal structure, Somaliland may be entering one of its most diplomatically isolated phases yet. The combination of internal resistance and shifting international winds signals increasingly difficult days ahead for the breakaway region.