World

Israel’s Ambassador to Somaliland Receives Credentials in Hargeisa

By Faisal Ali

Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, at a ceremony in Hargeisa. The event, held last week, also marked the laying of the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy in the breakaway territory. Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced the ceremonies on Sunday, noting that they followed an agreement reached on December 26, 2025, when Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognise Somaliland. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains claimed by Mogadishu and has no recognition from any other UN member state.

President Cirro described the day as “historical,” noting that it was the first time a Somaliland president had received the credentials of an ambassador from a UN member state that recognises its independence. Ambassador Lotem said Israel’s recognition acknowledged what Somaliland had built over 35 years, rather than serving as a mere diplomatic formality.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the exchange of ambassadors fulfilled commitments made when relations were established. Sa’ar visited Somaliland in January, and the territory opened an embassy in West Jerusalem during Cirro’s visit to Israel in June.

During the Hargeisa ceremony, Cirro emphasized the broader importance of the relationship, citing Somaliland’s strategic position around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. He said the cooperation carries significant regional and international significance and reaffirmed Somaliland’s long‑term strategic commitment.

Somaliland lies across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, near the Bab al‑Mandeb strait, a vital shipping passage between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Fighting has intensified on the Yemeni side of the strait in recent weeks. On October 9, United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg warned that Yemen had returned to full‑scale war, with battles involving the Iran‑aligned Houthi movement and forces of the internationally recognised government.

Israel has also acknowledged a security relationship that predates its diplomatic recognition. During Cirro’s visit to Israel in June, Defence Minister Israel Katz said the two sides had cooperated on secret operations for years and wanted to expand their security ties.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud challenged Israel’s motives in an interview with Sky News this week, saying it was seeking access to the Red Sea rather than supporting Somaliland’s independence. “Israel wants the Red Sea, that is the only reason,” he said. Mohamud also alleged that Israel wants a naval base in the territory. Somaliland officials have signalled openness to hosting an Israeli military base, but the territory’s president recently said no talks had been held.

Somalia condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December as a violation of its sovereignty. The move has also been condemned by the Arab League, African Union and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.