Jerusalem (Somalia Today) — A leading pro-Israel advocate has said he will urge US President Donald Trump to support formal American recognition of Somaliland.
Dr Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion organisation, made the remarks during a ceremony in Jerusalem where Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi received the Friends of Zion Award.
“It’s time to bless all states that bless Israel,” Evans said, according to a statement reported by Israeli media.
“Somaliland has shown genuine friendship toward the Jewish state, and I intend to speak with US President Donald Trump about the importance of formal American recognition of Somaliland.”
Jerusalem mission
The comments came after Somaliland opened a representative mission in Jerusalem, which Hargeisa has described as an embassy.
The move has drawn attention across the region because Israel has recognised Somaliland, while Somalia insists the territory remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has governed itself separately since then, but its long campaign for international recognition has gained little support from major powers.
Hargeisa therefore sees Israel’s recognition as a major diplomatic breakthrough and a possible route to wider backing, particularly in Washington.
Somalia’s federal government has rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mogadishu has also warned foreign governments against entering direct diplomatic arrangements with Somaliland outside the framework of the federal government.
‘True friendship’
Evans praised Abdullahi for what he called his “leadership, courage and vision” in expanding relations with Israel, saying the opening of the Jerusalem mission sent “a clear message of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation.”
“At a time when Israel faces complex security and diplomatic challenges, true friendship carries special significance,” Evans said.
Abdullahi, who received the award at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, said the recognition reflected growing ties between Somaliland and Israel.
“It is a great honour for me to receive the Friends of Zion Award,” Abdullahi said. “This award symbolises the growing friendship and strengthening ties between Somaliland and Israel.”
He said his administration wanted to deepen cooperation with Israel and build ties based on “cooperation, mutual respect and friendship.”
Organisers said diplomats, business figures, Christian leaders and other guests attended the ceremony.
The Friends of Zion Award has previously gone to figures the organisation describes as strong supporters of Israel and the Jewish people, including Trump, former US president George W. Bush and former vice president Mike Pence.
But Critics say the award carries political weight because the Friends of Zion Museum is closely associated with Christian Zionist and pro-Israel advocacy.
Palestinian and Arab commentators often view such honours as part of a wider campaign to legitimise Israel’s control over Jerusalem and reward foreign figures who back Israeli positions on the city.
Washington push
Evans’ pledge to approach Trump does not mark the first attempt to push Somaliland’s recognition case in Washington.
In recent years, Somaliland has drawn support from Republican lawmakers, conservative policy circles and pro-Israel voices who argue that the United States should treat Hargeisa as a strategic partner in the Horn of Africa.
That support has often centred on Somaliland’s location near the Gulf of Aden, its relations with Taiwan, its hostility to Chinese influence and its willingness to build closer ties with Israel and the United States.
Conservative policy proposals have gone as far as recommending recognition of Somaliland statehood as a way to strengthen Washington’s position in the Red Sea region and reduce reliance on Djibouti.
Republican lawmakers have also pressed the issue directly. Senator Ted Cruz urged Trump to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, while Congressman Scott Perry introduced legislation seeking formal US recognition of Somaliland.
Evans’ intervention adds a new religious and pro-Israel dimension to that campaign. Through Friends of Zion, Somaliland is now seeking support from a Christian Zionist network with close ties to Israel and influence among parts of Trump’s conservative base.
For Mogadishu, however, the growing US campaign is likely to deepen concern that Somaliland is using its relationship with Israel and conservative allies in Washington to build momentum for wider international recognition.
Washington has not recognised Somaliland as an independent state and continues to maintain formal relations with the Federal Government of Somalia.
