Israel has given a new boost to the formalization of its diplomatic ties with the Somali separatist state of Somaliland through the presentation of the credentials of its ambassador, Michael Lotem, before the president of this self-proclaimed independent territory, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, 'Irro'. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa and concluded with the laying of the first stone of the future Israeli diplomatic mission.
The Presidency of Somaliland has described the official appointment of the ambassador as the start of "a new era of bilateral collaboration, strategic partnership and cooperation". Likewise, it has emphasized the intention of both parties to move forward together in favor of peace, security and prosperity.
The authorities of this territory, which defines itself as independent, have argued that its international alliances must be based on "the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty and shared interests" and have stressed the geopolitical value of strengthening its relations in a region conditioned by the influence of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
"Diplomatic recognition opens doors. What we build beyond them will define our place in the world", the Somaliland authorities have emphasized.
In parallel, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has highlighted the "historical" nature of the ceremony, after which the "cornerstone" of the new Israeli Embassy in the territory has been laid, and has applauded the "strengthening of relations" with this separatist state.
The event represents a new milestone in the rapprochement between both parties, which sealed their reciprocal recognition on December 26, 2025. Later, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, traveled to Somaliland in January 2026, while the Somaliland delegation inaugurated its Embassy in Jerusalem during a visit by Irro to Israel in June of that same year.
This gradual rapprochement between Israel and Somaliland has been harshly criticized by Somalia and by the Palestinian authorities, as well as by regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the Arab League, which reject the territory’s independence and align themselves with the defense of Somali territorial integrity. Somaliland, former British colony that has not obtained official recognition since it proclaimed its secession from Somalia in 1991, operates de facto as an entity with its own administrative, political, and security structures.