Israel has officially appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, marking a significant step in the burgeoning relationship between the two entities. This appointment comes months after Israel’s decision in December to formally recognize Somaliland, a move that ended over three decades of diplomatic isolation for the self-declared state. Lotem, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, had his appointment reported by Israel’s public broadcaster on Wednesday.
The partnership has rapidly intensified since Israel became the first country globally to recognize Somaliland. On Tuesday, Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, lauded Israel as a “reliable partner” during a parliamentary session, receiving applause from lawmakers.
However, Somalia’s foreign ministry swiftly condemned Israel’s ambassadorial appointment, describing it as a “direct breach” of Somalia’s sovereignty and unity. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following a devastating civil war, but its sovereignty has never been recognized by Somalia. The international community, including the UN Security Council, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the European Union, has also widely condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Since the December announcement, both sides have moved quickly to deepen their ties. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, visited Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, in January. Subsequently, Somaliland sent a delegation from its water ministry to Israel for specialized training in water management. Somaliland’s president also indicated in February that a trade deal with Israel was expected soon. Furthermore, Israel has granted diplomatic approval to Mohamed Hagi, a key presidential adviser instrumental in brokering the recognition, as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel.
These growing ties have angered Somali officials, with the country’s president earlier this year calling it the “gravest attack” on national sovereignty. He also 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 Houthi movement controls the country’s northwest. The Houthis, who are hostile to Israel, began firing missiles at the country in late March in response to Israeli strikes. They have stated that an Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered 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, including security cooperation. Abdi did not rule out the possibility of an Israeli military base in the country, stating it “will be analysed at some point.” Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, expressed his country’s desire to avoid its territory being “pulled into external confrontations or used in ways that could further destabilize an already sensitive region.”
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