Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland on Tuesday, a move that drew sharp condemnation from Somalia, coming just 10 days after Israel formally recognised the self-declared republic as an independent and sovereign state. The visit underscored a growing diplomatic rift in the Horn of Africa following Israel’s decision, which Somalia has rejected as unlawful.
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
Israel is the only country to have formally recognised Somaliland’s declaration of independence from Somalia. Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia, has sought international recognition for decades after breaking away from the central government. Somalia has consistently maintained that Somaliland remains part of its sovereign territory.
Following Israel’s recognition, Somalia described the move as an “unlawful step” and reiterated its opposition to any actions it views as undermining its territorial integrity.
Saar’s Visit and Meetings in Hargeisa
During his visit to the Somaliland capital, Hargeisa, Saar held talks with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. In a statement posted on X, Saar said the discussions covered “the full range of relations” between Israel and Somaliland.
“We are determined to vigorously advance relations between Israel and Somaliland,” Saar wrote, sharing images of his meeting with Abdullahi at the presidential palace.
Somaliland’s information ministry said earlier that Saar was leading a high-level delegation, though it did not provide further details. A senior Somaliland official said ahead of the meeting that discussions were expected to focus on enhancing bilateral ties.
Saar said that President Abdullahi had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make an official visit to Israel. Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel aims to pursue cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology and the economy.
Following the visit, Saar said that professionals from Somaliland’s water sector would travel to Israel in the coming months for training.
Somalia’s foreign ministry strongly criticised Saar’s visit, saying it amounted to “unacceptable interference” in its internal affairs. Somali officials also described the visit as a “serious violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Regional Context and Strategic Importance
Somaliland was once a British protectorate and has signed bilateral agreements with various governments on investment and security coordination, despite lacking formal international recognition.
The territory shares borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti and lies across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. Since October 2023, when the war in Gaza began, Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have launched missiles and drones at Israel.
Omar Mahmood, a Somalia analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank, said Israeli engagement with Somaliland was likely influenced by the region’s strategic location. He added that security coordination could take place without the establishment of Israeli military installations.
Last month, President Abdullahi said Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-brokered agreement reached in 2020 that saw the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain establish diplomatic ties with Israel. The UAE is a close partner of Somaliland.
Saar said on Tuesday that mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic ties with Somaliland were not directed at any third party.
Somaliland has denied that recognition would allow Israel to establish military bases on its territory or permit the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. Israel has advocated what its officials describe as voluntary Palestinian migration from Gaza, a position Somaliland has publicly rejected.
