Israel has appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, marking a significant step in deepening ties with the self-declared republic following its recent recognition.
The move comes months after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained widespread international recognition.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, Lotem, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, will lead the diplomatic mission as both sides move quickly to strengthen cooperation across political, economic and security sectors.
The appointment underscores a rapidly evolving relationship between Israel and Somaliland since December, when recognition was announced. That decision effectively ended more than three decades of Somaliland’s diplomatic isolation and opened the door to formal bilateral engagement.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi praised the partnership earlier this week, describing Israel as a “reliable partner” during an address to a joint session of parliament. Lawmakers responded with applause, signaling strong domestic support for closer ties.
In recent months, high level exchanges have taken place between the two sides. Israel’s foreign minister visited Hargeisa in January, while Somaliland dispatched a delegation focused on water management cooperation to Israel. Officials from both governments have also indicated that discussions on trade agreements are underway.
Further reinforcing the relationship, Israel has granted diplomatic approval to Mohamed Hagi, a senior adviser to Somaliland’s president, to serve as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel.
Rising tensions in the region
Somalia has strongly opposed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the subsequent appointment of an ambassador, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.
In a statement, Somalia’s foreign ministry described the move as a “direct breach” of the country’s unity and territorial integrity. Officials in Mogadishu have consistently rejected Somaliland’s independence claim and warned against international actions that could legitimize it.
Somalia’s leadership has also accused Israel of pursuing broader strategic goals in the region. Earlier this year, Somali officials alleged that Israel could seek to establish a military presence in Somaliland, a claim that has added to tensions between the countries.
Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs said the country does not want its territory “pulled into external confrontations or used in ways that could further destabilize an already sensitive region.”
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has drawn criticism from several international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union.
These organizations have reiterated their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and expressed concern that unilateral recognition could set a precedent affecting other disputed regions.
Analysts say the development risks complicating already fragile geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, where regional stability remains a key concern.
At the same time, some observers note that Somaliland has maintained relative stability compared to other parts of Somalia, which may partly explain Israel’s interest in building closer ties.
Somaliland’s geographic position along the Gulf of Aden places it near critical maritime routes and across from Yemen, where Houthi forces control large areas of territory.
The Houthis, who are hostile toward Israel, have previously warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland could be considered a legitimate target. The group has also launched attacks against Israel in recent months, raising concerns about potential spillover into the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland officials have acknowledged the possibility of expanded security cooperation with Israel. In March, the country’s minister of the presidency said a “strategic relationship” could include collaboration on security matters.
He did not rule out the possibility of an Israeli military base in the future, stating that such an option “will be analyzed at some point.”
Despite these developments, both governments have emphasized economic cooperation as a central pillar of their partnership, particularly in areas such as water management, technology and trade.
Israel’s decision to appoint an ambassador to Somaliland represents a turning point in regional diplomacy, with potential implications extending beyond bilateral relations.
While Somaliland sees the move as validation of its long standing quest for international recognition, Somalia views it as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
The situation highlights broader tensions between principles of territorial integrity and self determination, a recurring issue in global politics.
As Israel and Somaliland continue to build their relationship, the response from regional and international actors will likely shape the next phase of developments in the Horn of Africa.
