Hargeisa: The foreign minister of Israel arrived in Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first official visit by a senior Israeli leader since Israel recognised the breakaway region as an independent state late last year, according to diplomatic sources.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar held talks in Hargeisa with Somaliland’s leadership on strengthening political and economic ties. Discussions focused on possible cooperation in trade, technology and diplomacy, including plans to establish formal diplomatic missions in the future.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has functioned with its own government and security forces for more than three decades but has not been internationally recognised until Israel’s recent move. Israel has described the recognition as a step towards building partnerships in the strategically important Horn of Africa.
The visit has drawn strong criticism from Somalia, which said the Israeli delegation’s presence in Hargeisa violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somali officials reiterated that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and urged the international community to reject any actions that undermine the country’s unity.
The African Union also reacted sharply, calling on Israel to withdraw its recognition of Somaliland. The continental body warned that unilateral recognition could destabilise the region and set a precedent that conflicts with Africa’s commitment to respecting existing borders.
Analysts say Israel’s interest in Somaliland is partly linked to the region’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, near key global shipping routes. However, Somaliland authorities have said the new relationship is focused on development and diplomacy, not military cooperation.
The Israeli visit has added a new layer of tension to an already sensitive regional issue, with diplomatic reactions continuing from African and Middle Eastern countries as the situation develops.