Dr. Mike Evans, the evangelical leader of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, plans to discuss Somaliland’s recognition with Donald Trump. This announcement followed an awards ceremony on June 16, where Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi received the Friends of Zion Award.
Evans framed the recognition of Somaliland as vital for nations that support Israel, citing the country's strategic position along the Gulf of Aden. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, functions as a de facto sovereign state but lacks formal recognition from the United Nations.
US-Israel relations have evolved since Israel recognized Somaliland in late 2025, allowing Somaliland to open an embassy in Jerusalem. Evans contends that renewed recognition could benefit the US through access to mineral resources and potential military cooperation.
However, Evans is a private citizen, and his meeting with Trump, while plausible, may not ensure policy changes. US recognition poses risks, as the Somali government regards Somaliland as its territory, potentially destabilizing the region and affecting international relations.