Israel has moved to formalise diplomatic relations with Somaliland after its inaugural ambassador, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi.
Lotem, who previously served in Nairobi, presented his credentials at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, marking a significant step in translating Israel’s recognition of Somaliland into formal diplomatic representation.
However, while the move advances Somaliland’s decades-long campaign for international recognition, it has drawn strong opposition from Somalia.
Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign country following a joint declaration signed on December 26, 2025.
The deed was signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and President Abdillahi, popularly known as Irro.
The recognition offered Israel an opportunity to expand its diplomatic, economic and security presence in the strategically important Horn of Africa
Netanyahu announced that Israel would pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, healthcare, technology and the economy. He also invited Irro to visit Israel, signalling ambitions to establish a broader strategic partnership.
Somaliland, in turn, committed to joining the Abraham Accords, the diplomatic framework launched in 2020 to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, and has been lobbying for international recognition for more than three decades.
SOMALIA REJECTS ISRAEL’S RECOGNITION
The move has consequently triggered a strong diplomatic backlash from Mogadishu, which considers Somaliland an integral part of Somalia. It also regards Israel’s recognition as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Federal Government of Somalia has described the decision as unlawful, maintaining that no foreign government has the authority to alter the country’s internationally recognised borders.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the recognition, while the government has vowed to pursue diplomatic, political and legal measures to defend Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Somalia’s parliament has also rejected the decision, declaring it invalid and without legal effect. Mogadishu has further warned against foreign military bases or security arrangements in Somaliland that could expose the Horn of Africa to wider geopolitical rivalries.
Israel’s recognition has also been opposed by the African Union, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and several governments, while the EU has reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The close ties between Israel and Somaliland offers an opportunity to strengthen its presence near one of the world’s most important maritime routes, while developing cooperation in maritime security, intelligence, technology and defence.
The security dimension has already emerged in bilateral discussions.
During Irro’s June 2026 visit to Israel, the two sides discussed expanding security cooperation. Somaliland Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali subsequently confirmed that Israel was providing training to Somaliland’s police and military forces.
However, he denied that negotiations were underway to establish an Israeli military base in the territory, an issue that remains sensitive given Somalia’s objections and the wider regional security implications.
The partnership offers Hargeisa an opportunity to attract foreign investment, access Israeli technology and strengthen its position as a commercial gateway to the Horn of Africa.
Priority areas include agricultural technology, livestock production, water management, renewable energy, healthcare, cybersecurity and infrastructure development.
The strategic position of the Port of Berbera also presents opportunities for cooperation in logistics, maritime services and regional trade.
