Israel has taken a significant step in its burgeoning relationship with Somaliland by appointing its first ambassador to the self-declared state. This move comes months after Israel officially recognized the breakaway region in Somalia, marking a pivotal moment in its diplomatic history.
A New Diplomatic Chapter
Michael Lotem, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, has been named to the new post. This appointment, reported by Israel’s public broadcaster, signifies the latest development in a partnership that has rapidly gained momentum since December. At that time, Israel became the first country globally to recognize Somaliland, effectively ending over three decades of diplomatic isolation for the region.
On Tuesday, Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, addressed a joint session of parliament, hailing Israel as a “reliable partner.” His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from lawmakers, underscoring the strong support for the new alliance within Somaliland.
Somalia’s Strong Condemnation
In stark contrast, Somalia’s foreign ministry released a statement vehemently condemning Israel’s decision. The ministry described the appointment as a “direct breach” of Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, highlighting the deep divisions caused by Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition.
Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, following a devastating civil war. However, Somalia has never recognized its secession, viewing it as an integral part of its territory. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has drawn widespread criticism from international bodies, including the UN Security Council, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the European Union.
Rapidly Developing Partnership
Since Israel’s recognition announcement in December, both sides have moved swiftly to cultivate their relationship. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, visited Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, in January. Subsequently, Somaliland dispatched a delegation from its water ministry to Israel for specialized training in water management, indicating practical cooperation.
Somaliland’s president informed Reuters in February that he anticipates a trade deal with Israel will soon follow. Furthermore, Israel has granted diplomatic approval to Mohamed Hagi, a presidential adviser instrumental in brokering the recognition, as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel.
Regional Geopolitical Implications
Somali officials have expressed significant anger over the deepening ties. Earlier this year, Somalia’s president labeled it the “gravest attack” on the country’s sovereignty and accused Israel of potentially seeking to establish a military base to launch attacks against Yemen.
Somaliland is strategically located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthi movement controls the country’s northwest. The Houthis, known for their hostility towards Israel, began firing missiles at the country in late March in response to Israeli strikes on Iran. The group has explicitly stated that they would consider an Israeli presence in Somaliland a legitimate target.
In March, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, told Bloomberg that the region would pursue a “strategic relationship” with Israel, encompassing security cooperation. Abdi notably refused to rule out the prospect of an Israeli military base in the country, stating that it “will be analyzed at some point.”
Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, conveyed his country’s concerns to Al Jazeera, emphasizing that Somalia does not wish to see its territory “pulled into external confrontations or used in ways that could further destabilize an already sensitive region.”
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