DAVOS (SD) A senior advisor at the Somali presidency stated that Somalia remains confident about the future of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite rumors that the Trump administration might be open to recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.

Speaking at a World Economic Forum side event, Yusuf Hussein told Semafor that Somalia and the United States continue to share a strong alliance on economic development and security matters.

“There has been no change since Trump’s first term,” he said. “We don’t see why anyone would want to discuss this, especially concerning our nation.”

J. Peter Pham, a former U.S. special envoy for the Sahel and Great Lakes regions during Trump’s first term, is expected to lead the new Africa team for Trump. Pham has been a vocal supporter of Somaliland’s so-called democratic progress and its efforts to gain U.S. recognition. He has also criticized the Biden administration’s commitment to the “One Somalia” policy.

Somaliland has invested heavily in Republican lobbying firms to influence U.S. Congress members into recognizing its independence from Somalia.

Trump’s potential return to the White House has revived hopes in Somaliland, given his past confrontations with Somalia and personal clashes with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

However, the issue of Somaliland is believed to hold little significance for the potential new U.S. administration, as more pressing priorities are expected to dominate the agenda.