World · Africa · 1 hr ago
Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland presents credentials in Hargeisa
Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa.
Officials also marked plans for an Israeli embassy by laying its cornerstone.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has governed itself for decades, but Somalia still claims the territory.
Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to do so; no other UN member state has followed.
The new diplomatic ties have drawn criticism from Somalia, the Arab League, the African Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Somalia’s president says Israel wants access to the Red Sea and a naval base, while Somaliland officials have indicated openness to a base; the president says no talks have taken place.
Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, at a ceremony in Hargeisa.
Officials also laid the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy.
The ceremonies were held last week, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
The exchange puts into practice Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, the first by a United Nations member state.
Somalia and several regional organisations have condemned Israel’s recognition, while Somalia’s president has challenged Israel’s motives.
- Who
- Ambassador Michael Lotem presented his credentials to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro.
- What
- The presentation formalised the exchange of ambassadors, and officials laid the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy.
- When
- The ceremonies were held last week, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. The articles were published on November 1 and 2, 2026.
- Where
- Hargeisa, Somaliland.
- Why
- The exchange put into practice commitments made when Israel and Somaliland established diplomatic relations after Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025.
Somaliland and Israel
Somalia
Recognition
Somaliland and Israel
Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025, and Somaliland describes the relationship as strategically important.
Somalia
Somalia condemns the recognition as a violation of its sovereignty.
Israel’s motives
Somaliland and Israel
Israel says recognition acknowledged what Somaliland had built over 35 years.
Somalia
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Israel was seeking access to the Red Sea and alleged it wanted a naval base in Somaliland.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia.
Israel recognised Somaliland, becoming the first United Nations member state to do so.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Somaliland.
Cirro visited Israel, and Somaliland opened an embassy in West Jerusalem.
Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland presented his credentials in Hargeisa, where officials also laid the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy.
- Ambassador
- Michael Lotem
- President
- Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro
- Ceremony location
- Hargeisa, Somaliland
- Recognition
- Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025
- Somaliland independence declaration
- 1991
3 sources
What people are saying
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.
Israel wants the Red Sea, that is the only reason.