The Independent has learned of talks with Trump on Somaliland independence

US President-elect Donald Trump may recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an official state after he comes to power. This was reported by The Independent newspaper on November 19, citing former British Defense Minister Gavin Williamson.

The former minister stated that he had a conversation with Trump's team during which they discussed issues related to the Republic of Somaliland. He clarified that he was confident about the future recognition of the state and recalled that the first Trump administration was close to doing so.

"They have to agree to it, although when he [Donald Trump] takes office, the whole thing will probably take a little longer than we hope," Williamson said.

The Federal Republic of Somalia was formed in 1960 from two colonial possessions, Italian Somalia and British Somalia. In 1991, a civil war broke out in the country, after which it effectively ceased to exist as a single state, breaking up into several parts. The northern part, formerly part of British Somalia, declared itself the Republic of Somaliland, but was not officially recognized and is internationally considered part of a single Somalia. In 2003, the self-proclaimed state held a referendum in which the majority of residents voted in favor of independence and their own constitution.