HARGEISA — Israel's inaugural ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his diplomatic credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, in Hargeisa last week. The ceremony included the laying of a cornerstone for a new Israeli embassy in the Somaliland capital, Israel's Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.
This formal exchange implements an agreement reached on December 26, 2025, when Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland's independence. Somaliland declared its separation from Somalia in 1991 and has governed itself for over three decades, though Mogadishu continues to claim the territory.
President Abdullahi called the event a "historical day," noting it was the first time a Somaliland president had accepted credentials from an ambassador representing a UN member state that acknowledges its independence. Ambassador Lotem said Israel's recognition reflected Somaliland's 35 years of self-governance and development.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said on Sunday that the exchange fulfilled commitments made when diplomatic relations were established. Sa'ar visited Somaliland in January. In June, Somaliland opened an embassy in West Jerusalem during President Abdullahi's visit to Israel.
President Abdullahi highlighted Somaliland's strategic position across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, adjacent to the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a crucial shipping passage connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. He said cooperation with Israel holds "important regional and international significance."
Regional tensions have escalated recently, with fighting intensifying on the Yemeni side of the strait. On October 9, United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg warned that Yemen had reverted to full-scale war, involving the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and forces of the internationally recognized government.
Israel has acknowledged a security dimension to its relationship with Somaliland that predates formal diplomatic recognition. During President Abdullahi's visit to Israel in June, Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the two sides had collaborated on secret operations for years and expressed a desire to expand these security ties.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud challenged Israel's motives in a recent interview, suggesting Israel's interest lies in gaining access to the Red Sea rather than supporting Somaliland's independence. Mohamud alleged that Israel seeks a naval base in the territory. Somaliland officials have previously indicated openness to hosting an Israeli military base, though President Abdullahi recently stated no discussions on the matter had occurred. Somalia condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
