By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
New York – Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in New York this week, in a diplomatic encounter held on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s annual gathering. The two leaders discussed avenues for deepening bilateral relations and broadening cooperation across a range of mutual interests.
During the meeting, President Abdullahi presented Ambassador Danon with an video depicting the two of them dancing together — an unusual and lighthearted gesture that underscored the warm tone of the discussions.
Speaking at the conclusion of the talks, Danon struck an optimistic note regarding Somaliland’s international standing, stating: “I believe the day will soon come when Somaliland will also vote at the UN.” The remark appeared to signal Israeli sympathy for Somaliland’s aspirations toward greater international recognition, including eventual membership or voting rights at the United Nations.
The Republic of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa, reasserted it’s independence from Somalia in 1991 but has long struggled to secure widespread international recognition. While it functions as a de facto state with its own government, currency, and security forces, it remains largely unrecognized by the international community and is not a UN member state.
The meeting between Danon and Abdullahi is notable given Israel’s own complex position at the UN and its interest in building ties with actors in the Horn of Africa and the broader Muslim world. The encounter may also reflect broader regional dynamics, including Israel’s outreach to African and Arab states as part of its foreign policy realignment.
