1. Revive the Abraham Accords. The Mecca defence agreement brought Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan together. Washington needs an equally visible advance for normalisation and commerce. Bringing Somaliland into the Abraham Accords would show that making peace attracts partners as effectively as promising mutual defence. This African Muslim democracy, already recognised by Israel, offers Trump that opening.
2. Move some Gulf bases to Berbera. Roughly 2,000 kilometres from Iran, Berbera offers greater distance from Iranian launch sites than America's Gulf bases, several already attacked by Iran. That distance could make selected US facilities easier to defend against direct strikes. Moving some basing functions there would give Washington strategic depth while retaining access to the Gulf of Aden.
3. Secure a presidential legacy. Bush recognised Kosovo, Obama recognised South Sudan, and Biden recognised the Cook Islands and Niue. Trump can recognise thirty five years of sovereign government built since Somaliland restored independence in 1991. Its state continuity offers a lasting achievement grounded in Somalilanders' work.
4. Secure Bab al Mandab. Berbera offers access to the Gulf of Aden approach to this vital maritime chokepoint. Negotiate replenishment, surveillance and coastguard cooperation to protect commercial shipping against Houthi attacks. Recognition establishes the sovereign partnership; operational agreements turn it into maritime capability.
5. Make Ilhan Omar crash out again. Omar has defended Washington's policy on Somalia's borders, including its treatment of Somaliland. Trump can overturn her preferred position through a decision serving American interests. The political rebuke would come with a strategic gain.
6. Win before the midterms. Recognition is a presidential power Trump can exercise before November without invading or occupying another country. Direct State, Defense and Commerce to present a costed implementation plan within ninety days, identifying the agreements and funding needed to turn the diplomatic victory into practical gains.
7. Sign a minerals deal. Use Somaliland's exploration licensing system to pursue critical mineral opportunities, making independent geological surveys and transparent licences the first deliverables. Commercial commitments should follow verified deposits. Recognition would strengthen diplomatic support for American investors while Somaliland retains authority over its resources.
8. Let Somalia focus its full capacity. Contrary to the common argument, recognition would free Somalia's political, military and financial capacity for fighting al Shabaab and governing itself. Hillary Clinton's premature recognition of its government in 2013 rewarded promise over performance. Mogadishu seems most like a functioning state when claiming Somaliland; its prime minister's office even warned that recognition undermines counterterrorism. Khartoum's present war hardly justifies adding South Sudan to its responsibilities. Somalia likewise cannot rebuild by claiming a country it has not governed since 1991. Close the chapter, remove the excuse, and demand results.
9. Back Taiwan's African partner. Somaliland and Taiwan's coastguard agreement provides a practical starting point for joint American training and maritime coordination. Recognition would show that choosing cooperation with Taiwan earns lasting partnerships, strengthening resistance to Beijing's diplomatic isolation campaign.
One signature opens nine doors. Walk through them.