Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland presents credentials in Hargeisa
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland has presented credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, in Hargeisa, with officials also laying the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy.
The ceremonies were announced by Israel's Foreign Ministry on Sunday, confirming they took place last week. This move implements an agreement reached on December 26, 2025, when Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains claimed by Mogadishu.
Historic Recognition
Describing it as a "historical day," President Cirro noted it was the first time a Somaliland president had received credentials from a UN member state recognizing its independence. Ambassador Michael Lotem stated that Israel's recognition acknowledged what Somaliland had built over 35 years, rather than serving as a mere diplomatic formality.
Given our strategic position around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, our cooperation carries important regional and international significance. Let me reaffirm that Somaliland approaches this relationship with genuine strategic commitment and a long-term perspective.
Regional Concerns
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud challenged Israel's motives in an interview, suggesting Israel seeks access to the Red Sea rather than supporting Somaliland's independence. "Israel wants the Red Sea, that is the only reason," he alleged, also claiming Israel wants a naval base in the territory.
Somalia condemned Israel's recognition as a violation of its sovereignty, and the move has also been criticized by the Arab League, African Union and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Somaliland officials have signaled openness to hosting an Israeli military base, though the territory's president recently stated no talks had been held.
Strategic Importance
Somaliland's location across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, near the vital Bab al-Mandeb strait, gives it strategic significance. Fighting has intensified on the Yemeni side of the strait in recent weeks, with UN envoy Hans Grundberg warning on October 9 that Yemen had returned to full-scale war.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that the exchange of ambassadors fulfilled commitments made when relations were established. During Cirro's visit to Israel in June, Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed the two sides had cooperated on secret operations for years and wanted to expand security ties.
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