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Somaliland Launches Major Global Recognition Drive with New Independence Institution

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA — In a landmark move for the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, the government has launched its most ambitious bid yet for full international sovereignty. The newly established Somaliland Independence Recognition Institution (IRI) was officially inaugurated today, chaired by acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Rageh Omaar, marking a bold new chapter in the region’s decades-long quest for legitimacy.

President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi personally mandated the initiative, describing it as a powerful symbol of Somaliland’s unwavering determination. In a stirring address, the President declared: “Somaliland’s independence is intellectually defensible, legally grounded, and historically undeniable. This institute will stand as a symbol of Somaliland — a living testament to our rightful place in the international community.”

He added passionately: “This institute is our answer to history; it is our commitment to the future. May it serve Somaliland with honour, and may Somaliland at last receive the recognition it deserves.”

The President also extended his “most sincere gratitude” to Gavin, Jason McCue, and their dedicated network of supporters, praising them as driving forces behind the vision. “Without their commitment, this establishment would not have been possible,” he said. “Somaliland is deeply indebted to them, and their names will forever be associated with this milestone in our national journey.”

At the heart of the initiative is McCue Jury & Partners LLP, an internationally renowned specialist legal practice led by principal partners Jason McCue and Matt Jury. The firm has provided high-level legal expertise and technical support to strengthen Somaliland’s case, transforming long-held aspirations into concrete action.

The IRI is designed as a world-class hub — a collaborative think tank and implementation centre that will craft and advance Somaliland’s legal arguments for recognition. Its mandate includes championing the right to self-determination for Somalilanders, pursuing reparations for historical and ongoing injustices, and ensuring policy continuity across successive governments. By building a robust repository of knowledge and momentum, the institution aims to push relentlessly for Somaliland’s transition to its “rightful place within the international community.”

With this launch, Somaliland is no longer simply asserting its independence — it is strategically equipping itself with legal firepower, intellectual depth, and global alliances to make that independence undeniable on the world stage. The journey continues, but today, a powerful new engine has roared to life.

Diplomatic Realism and National Cohesion in Somaliland’s Jerusalem Embassy Decision

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Said Mohamud Ahmed

Essay/Op-Ed Online Letter
May 19, 2026

The formal presentation of diplomatic credentials by Dr. Mohamed Hagi to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem represents a defining moment in the modern diplomatic trajectory of the Horn of Africa. The decision by the Republic of Somaliland to establish its first embassy in Jerusalem, alongside a reciprocal Israeli mission in Hargeisa, reflects a calculated and assertive application of strategic realism. For a polity that has functioned without formal international recognition since 1991, despite sustaining democratic governance, an independent currency, and credible security institutions, this development signals a decisive shift from diplomatic marginalization toward proactive global engagement. Nevertheless, this strategic realignment has generated significant domestic debate, requiring careful evaluation of both its geopolitical rationale and its implications for national cohesion.

This analysis is motivated by the growing public opposition among segments of Somaliland’s population and diaspora communities regarding the Jerusalem embassy. Much of this resistance is grounded in emotional and ideological concerns rather than strategic calculation. While dissent is an essential feature of democratic society, public opposition to a major diplomatic breakthrough risks projecting internal division at a critical moment in Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition. Such signals may embolden adversaries and undermine the fragile momentum that has been achieved. Accordingly, this essay seeks to articulate a reasoned defense of Somaliland’s sovereign decision making and to underscore the necessity of unity during periods of high stakes diplomatic transition.

Within the field of international relations, the primary objective of any state, particularly one operating without formal recognition, is to secure legitimacy in the international system. For more than three decades, Somaliland’s claims to statehood have been largely overlooked due to the prevailing preference within the African Union and broader international community for preserving Somalia’s territorial integrity. This position persists despite the limited governance capacity of the Federal Government of Somalia over Somaliland’s territory. Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland represents a critical rupture in this longstanding diplomatic impasse. It establishes a precedent that challenges entrenched norms and reopens the possibility of broader international acceptance.

Beyond symbolic recognition, the bilateral relationship offers tangible strategic advantages. Alignment with Israel provides Somaliland with access to advanced capabilities in intelligence cooperation, maritime security, water management, agricultural development, and medical innovation. These areas are not abstract benefits but practical tools for strengthening state capacity and improving the welfare of citizens. Moreover, the evolving security dynamics of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden enhance the significance of this partnership. Somaliland’s extensive coastline positions it as a critical actor in maritime security, particularly in the context of threats emanating from armed groups operating across the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Integration into a broader security framework increases Somaliland’s strategic relevance and elevates its profile within global security considerations.

At the same time, domestic concerns regarding the Jerusalem embassy warrant serious consideration. Somaliland is a predominantly Muslim society, and many citizens express deep solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Establishing an embassy in Jerusalem, a city with profound religious and political significance, raises concerns about moral alignment and regional relationships. Critics also highlight potential security risks, including the possibility of retaliatory actions by regional actors opposed to Israeli partnerships. These perspectives reflect genuine anxieties that should not be dismissed outright.

However, these concerns must be weighed against the imperatives of state survival and strategic advancement. For decades, many of the states now implicitly or explicitly critical of Somaliland’s decision have declined to recognize its sovereignty or engage with it as an equal partner. In this context, Somaliland cannot afford to base its foreign policy solely on expectations of solidarity that have not translated into tangible support. Sovereign decision making requires prioritizing national interests, particularly when opportunities for recognition and partnership arise.

From this perspective, the deepening relationship with Israel can be understood not only as a strategic necessity but also as a legitimate and acceptable choice for Somaliland’s future. A partnership with a state that has extended formal recognition and demonstrated willingness to engage constructively should be viewed as both appropriate and beneficial. It is therefore reasonable to argue that this decision aligns with Somaliland’s long term interests and reflects a moment that many Somalilanders may regard with full confidence and approval. In this regard, recognition of leadership also becomes important, as the actions taken by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi can be interpreted as a decisive effort to advance the national interest and break longstanding diplomatic barriers.

Democratic governance necessarily accommodates dissent, and Somaliland has rightly cultivated a reputation for political openness and civic participation. Yet, periods of significant geopolitical transition introduce heightened vulnerabilities. External actors, including rival governments and nonstate networks, may seek to exploit internal divisions to weaken Somaliland’s position. Under such conditions, the distinction between legitimate dissent and actions that inadvertently or deliberately undermine national security becomes increasingly complex.

It is therefore reasonable for state institutions to ensure that organized opposition to major foreign policy initiatives is not influenced or directed by external actors. Security oversight, when conducted within the bounds of law and respect for civil liberties, constitutes a standard function of responsible governance. The objective is not to suppress debate but to safeguard the integrity of national decision making processes. Democratic rights depend upon the continued stability of the state, and that stability requires vigilance against both internal fragmentation and external interference.

Ultimately, the establishment of Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem reflects a deliberate assertion of sovereignty in a competitive international environment. It signals a willingness to engage in pragmatic diplomacy and to pursue recognition through strategic partnerships rather than passive expectation. While internal debate will and should continue, it must be accompanied by an appreciation of the broader stakes involved. Somaliland’s long quest for international legitimacy has reached a critical juncture, and its leadership has chosen a path that prioritizes tangible progress over diplomatic stagnation. The success of this approach will depend not only on external alliances but also on the capacity of Somaliland’s society to balance democratic expression with a shared commitment to national advancement.

By Said Mohamud Ahmed, Ed.D. Candidate,
Minneapolis, Minnesota

‎Somalia’s Islamic Case Against Somaliland Is a Farce

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

If Recognizing Israel Were Incompatible with Islamic Governance, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Would Be Missing Half Its Members

May 18, 2026Siyad Madey

‎On May 18, 2026, Somaliland marks 35 years since it withdrew from its union with Somalia. This anniversary is different from the 34 that preceded it. For the first time, Somaliland enters its independence day as a state recognized by a United Nations member—Israel, which extended full diplomatic recognition on December 26, 2025, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Mogadishu’s response was to call it a “naked invasion” and seek to leverage Islamic solidarity.

‎The choice of weapon is instructive. Somalia might have made a sovereignty argument—Somaliland’s broader international status remains contested—but President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud instead made an Islamist one, because religion travels further and is harder to rebut. Three-and-a-half decades of civil war, political collapse, corruption, mass bloodshed, and the internal displacement of millions of Somali Muslims is not the record of a government guided by Islamic principle.

‎Somalia might have made a sovereignty argument—Somaliland’s broader international status remains contested—but President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud instead made an Islamist one.

‎If Mogadishu wishes to claim faith as part of its legacy and legitimacy, it must explain why it so often turns to non-Muslim neighbors like Ethiopia and Kenya to broker, mediate, and at times physically reconstitute Somali state and federal governments. Mohamud did not refuse those negotiations on theological grounds, nor did he invoke Islamic edicts when he needed Nairobi’s conference rooms or Addis Ababa’s guarantees. Only when Somaliland acts in its own interest does cooperation with non-Muslim states become apostasy.

‎Recognition of a sovereign state is a legal and political act. At the United Nations Security Council, Israel’s own delegate cited the Montevideo Convention in defending the recognition, noting that Somaliland has consistently met the objective criteria for statehood under customary international law. But even on purely theological grounds—even accepting Mogadishu’s preferred terrain—the argument against Somaliland independence disintegrates. Morocco normalized relations with Israel in December 2020. Its population is almost entirely Muslim. Sudan, whose people are overwhelmingly Muslim, followed within the same diplomatic cycle. Neither lost its seat at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Neither faced fatwa or formal censure from the Arab League. Egypt has maintained full diplomatic relations with Israel since 1979 and hosts the Arab League’s headquarters. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, among the most influential Muslim-majority states in the world, are now Abraham Accords signatories, with bilateral trade between Israel and the United Arab Emirates exceeding $3 billion in 2024. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Turkey, which expresses Palestinian solidarity as political theater, sustains a trade relationship with Israel worth billions of dollars annually—a volume that has persisted through every round of turbulence.

‎If recognizing Israel were genuinely incompatible with Islamic governance, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would be missing half its members. When Egypt signed its peace treaty with Israel in 1979, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation suspended it, but reinstated it a decade later. When the Abraham Accords countries normalized relations in 2020, the Organization did not convene a censure vote. The assumed prohibition on relations with Israel has not survived contact with member states’ interests. Mohamud now demands that Somaliland observe a rule that Somalia’s own partners, patrons, and fellow Organization of Islamic Cooperation members have rendered obsolete. The Palestinian cause is not a veto that one Muslim government may exercise over another’s bilateral choices.

‎A Muslim-majority government, in a water-scarce country, concluded that Israeli expertise was a national interest—and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation said nothing.

‎Mohamud’s Islamist objection serves a different master. Turkey—which has made hostility to Israel a cornerstone of its foreign policy—runs its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, has trained tens of thousands of Somali troops, and signed a ten-year defense pact in 2024 giving Ankara patrol rights over Somalia’s coastline and revenues from its exclusive economic zone. Within days of the recognition, Erdoğan stood alongside Mohamud in Istanbul and condemned Israel’s move as “illegitimate and unacceptable” because an Israeli foothold on Somaliland’s coast is a strategic threat to Ankara’s position. Somaliland’s shores sit astride the Gulf of Aden and the southern approach to Bab-el-Mandeb, the chokepoint through which a significant share of global maritime trade passes and over which the United States, China, Turkey, and Iran-backed Houthi rebels are all competing for position. Tehran and Ankara share a direct interest in denying Israel that foothold.

‎The case for Somaliland’s recognition is not sentimental. Israel was among the first countries to recognize Somaliland’s brief independence in 1960, and in 1990 was the only country to denounce the Isaaq genocide at the United Nations. The relationship predates Mohamud’s objections by decades. Hargeisa is making the same calculation Rabat already made. After joining the Abraham Accords, Morocco signed a state-level agreement with Israel on desalination and wastewater reuse, and the Israeli firm IDE Technologies subsequently entered the bidding for an $880 million desalination plant to supply Casablanca and surrounding cities. A Muslim-majority government, in a water-scarce country, concluded that Israeli expertise was a national interest—and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation said nothing. Kenya and Rwanda have reached identical conclusions through agriculture partnerships, precision irrigation technology, and long-term investment deals that have been running, in Kenya’s case, since independence. Somaliland simply demands the same policy solutions that other regional states choose.

‎Somalia has not held a credible one-person, one-vote election in three decades. It has ceded significant territory to al-Shabaab. It survives on foreign peacekeepers and donor budgets. It is in no position to lecture Hargeisa on statecraft or piety.

Somaliland President Leads Historic 35th Independence Anniversary Celebrations

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Irro), joined citizens in a grand celebration marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Somaliland’s independence. This year’s event holds special significance as it is the first time the internationally recognized Republic of Somaliland commemorates its liberation with formal global recognition.

The ceremony took place at the main celebration square in the heart of Hargeisa, the capital. President Cirro was joined by the Vice President, the Speakers of both houses of Parliament, the Chief Justice, several former presidents and vice presidents, members of parliament, ministers, diplomats, and international guests from various countries. The event was also attended by women, intellectuals, and other dignitaries.

A major highlight of the day was a professional military parade by the national armed forces, featuring a display of armored vehicles, tactical parades, and a flyover. The troops showcased modern weaponry and equipment, drawing cheers from crowds that lined the streets of the capital.

Speaking briefly at the ceremony, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdalle Mohamed Arab, expressed profound gratitude to the people of Somaliland and its armed forces for their continued dedication.

In his keynote address, President Irro congratulated the nation on this historic occasion—the first anniversary celebrated while Somaliland holds formal international recognition. He issued a warning to countries around the world against forcing incompatible political systems or governments onto nations, advising them instead to follow the pathway already opened by recognizing the Republic of Somaliland.

The 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s independence restoration is a landmark moment, celebrated as a sovereign nation now formally acknowledged among the community of nations.

Somaliland Marks 35th Independence Anniversary with Peaceful Celebrations Amid Heightened Security

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA – Peaceful celebrations swept across the Republic of Somaliland on Sunday as citizens marked the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s National Day, a date of profound significance for the nation. The annual observance on 18 May commemorates the region’s declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991.

Across cities, towns, and rural districts, residents gathered for commemorative events that reflected a strong sense of national pride. While festive, the atmosphere was also one of heightened vigilance, as authorities rolled out extensive security measures to ensure public safety throughout the country.

In a coordinated effort, national police forces, other security agencies, and local communities worked closely together to maintain stability. Security personnel were deployed extensively in key public areas and along major thoroughfares in population centers.

As part of the broader safety strategy, Somaliland’s military forces reinforced border security. Additionally, vehicle movement in several areas was temporarily suspended or restricted while security operations remained active.

Despite these precautions, officials confirmed that celebrations continued without disruption across all regions and districts. The peaceful nature of the events, they noted, underscores the deep and unifying national spirit that surrounds the annual 18 May observance.

“Our people are celebrating responsibly, and the cooperation between citizens and security forces has been exemplary,” a senior security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The goal is to ensure that this historic day remains both joyous and safe for everyone.”

No major incidents have been reported as of Sunday evening. The celebrations are expected to continue through the night, with cultural performances, public gatherings, and official ceremonies paying tribute to Somaliland’s self-declared statehood.

Somaliland at 35: From Seeking Recognition to Asserting Global Presence ‎

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

At its 35th anniversary of independence (1991–2026), Somaliland marks a transition from survival to strategic assertion. The phrase “Celebrate with confidence at 35” reflects not only endurance, but accumulated achievement. Over three decades, Somaliland has maintained relative peace in a volatile region, built functioning democratic institutions, and sustained governance without formal international recognition or consistent access to global finance. These accomplishments have fostered a strong internal confidence rooted in self-reliance.
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‎Equally significant is the assertion that Somaliland has “arrived on the global stage.” For much of its existence, it operated in geopolitical limbo—independent in practice but unrecognized in law. Today, its growing visibility signals a shift. Its strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea places it at the heart of critical maritime routes, drawing the attention of global powers concerned with trade and security. Major investments, such as the development of the Port of Berbera by DP World, and high-level agreements like the Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia, illustrate a move from isolation toward direct engagement. These developments have forced international actors to interact with Somaliland as a practical reality.
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‎This evolution represents a deeper transformation in political identity—from “asking for recognition” to “asserting presence.” For decades, Somaliland pursued formal legitimacy through appeals to international institutions, emphasizing its democratic record and historical claims. Yet this approach met resistance, as global powers prioritized Somalia’s territorial integrity. The result was prolonged diplomatic stagnation despite internal stability.
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‎The current paradigm replaces appeal with leverage. Somaliland no longer waits for validation; instead, it uses its assets—geography, trade routes, and stability—to compel engagement. Its coastline along a vital maritime corridor has become a strategic asset. Rather than relying on aid, Somaliland has pursued economic partnerships, positioning itself as a logistics hub through the Berbera port project. The agreement with Ethiopia exemplifies this shift: by offering access to the sea in exchange for steps toward recognition, Somaliland has engaged a major regional actor based on mutual interest, bypassing traditional diplomatic frameworks.
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‎At its core, this is a psychological shift. The earlier mindset framed Somaliland as a qualified but excluded participant seeking entry into the international system. The emerging mindset asserts that Somaliland is already an indispensable player whose relevance demands acknowledgment. Sovereignty, in this view, is not granted externally but demonstrated through action—through trade, partnerships, and regional influence.
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‎This changing posture is further underscored by a major geopolitical breakthrough: Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland on December 26, 2025. As the first UN member state to take this step in over three decades, Israel broke a longstanding diplomatic barrier. The recognition validates Somaliland’s long-standing claim to statehood and signals a new phase in its international trajectory.
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‎The move also carries historical resonance. When Somaliland briefly gained independence in 1960, Israel was among the countries that recognized it. This renewed recognition reconnects that earlier moment of sovereignty with the present. More broadly, it affirms that sustained internal stability and governance, even without formal support, can eventually force shifts in international policy.
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‎Beyond symbolism, recognition introduces tangible geopolitical advantages. It sets a precedent that may encourage other states—such as the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, or sectors within the United States—to formalize their engagements. Somaliland’s strategic coastline enhances its value as a security and trade partner, particularly in a region affected by maritime threats. Closer ties with Israel may translate into enhanced security cooperation, economic partnerships, and access to technology and investment, helping Somaliland overcome the structural disadvantages of being unrecognized.
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‎However, this progress also introduces new complexities. Israel’s recognition has triggered strong reactions, particularly from Somalia, which views it as a violation of sovereignty. Other international actors, including some major powers and regional organizations, have expressed opposition, reflecting ongoing divisions over Somaliland’s status.
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‎Domestically, the development has also generated mixed responses. While many Somalilanders celebrated the recognition as a historic achievement, others—particularly within a conservative, Muslim society—have expressed concern over ties with Israel, given broader regional sensitivities. The government must therefore balance international engagement with internal cohesion.
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‎In sum, Somaliland’s 35th anniversary marks more than longevity; it marks transformation. The shift from seeking recognition to asserting presence reflects a broader redefinition of sovereignty itself—from a legal status conferred by others to a practical reality demonstrated through governance, stability, and strategic engagement.
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‎Israel’s recognition has accelerated this transition, broken diplomatic inertia and opened new pathways for engagement. While challenges remain—both externally and internally—the trajectory is clear: Somaliland is no longer positioned as a passive claimant awaiting validation. It has emerged as a strategic actor shaping its own place in regional and global affairs.
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‎The central message is one of confidence grounded in achievement. After 35 years, Somaliland is not merely asking to be seen—it is positioning itself as impossible to ignore.
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‎About the Author Mohamed Osman, a retired physician and public health specialist from Somaliland, is a Canadian citizen who has worked with Ottawa Public Health and Alberta Health Services. He is also recognized for supporting Somaliland’s recognition.

Thirty-five years later, Somaliland still stands

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

There are certain anniversaries that, over time, become personal and cease to belong to history alone. They settle into the emotional memory of a people, carried in households, conversations, songs, and passed from one generation to the next. For Somalilanders, May 18 is one of those days.

To understand the emotional significance of May 18, one must first understand the history that preceded it.

On June 26, 1960, the former British Somaliland Protectorate attained independence as the State of Somaliland. Days later, driven by the optimism of the era and the wider dream of Somali unity, Somaliland voluntarily entered into union with the Trust Territory of Somalia in pursuit of a greater Somali republic.

At the time, it was a sincere political vision. Across Africa, newly independent nations were emerging from colonial rule with enormous hope and ambition, imagining futures shaped by unity, self-determination, and shared identity. Somalilanders, too, believed they enormous hope and ambition, imagining futures shaped by unity, self-determination, and shared identity. Somalilanders, too, believed they were contributing to something larger than themselves.

But history unfolded differently.

The years that followed gradually gave way to political marginalisation, authoritarianism, violence, and ultimately the collapse of the Somali state itself. For Somaliland, particularly during the final years of the military regime, the consequences were devastating. Entire communities were displaced. Cities were heavily damaged. Families were fractured by war and loss. Much of the physical and institutional foundation of society was left in ruins.

And yet, even in the aftermath of such destruction, Somaliland’s story did not end there. This part of its history deeply moves me because Somaliland was not rebuilt under easy circumstances. It was rebuilt by people who had every reason to surrender to exhaustion and despair, yet chose not to. There was no certainty then that peace would endure. No certainty that the institutions being formed would survive. No certainty that the sacrifices being made would amount to anything lasting.

And still, they built.

They built through dialogue. Through reconciliation. Through communities willing to sit together after years of conflict and slowly attempt the difficult work of trusting one another again. Elders and ordinary citizens alike became part of a national conversation about coexistence, governance and survival.

What Somaliland achieved through locally led reconciliation remains one of the most important yet often overlooked chapters in modern African state-building.

Because rebuilding after conflict is not simply an infrastructural exercise, it is psychological. It requires people to trust again. To coexist again. To sit across from one another again after years in which fear and violence had shaped everyday life.

Over the course of my first year serving as Ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland to Kenya, I have found myself reflecting on this history much more deeply than ever before. Representing Somaliland has reminded me that behind every national story are ordinary people whose resilience carried history forward. And perhaps nowhere is that resilience more visible than within Somaliland’s diaspora communities, with whom I have the honour of interacting.

Thirty-five years later, this past year has, in many ways, felt like a moment in which the outside world has begun paying closer attention to a reality Somalilanders have long known and sustained for themselves.

Conversations surrounding Somaliland have gradually shifted toward discussions of partnership, stability, trade, regional security, and its growing role within the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.

That shift became particularly noticeable following the State of Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, a development that marked an important diplomatic moment in Somaliland’s modern history. Yet even then, it did not feel like the beginning of Somaliland’s story. If anything, it felt like a long-overdue acknowledgement of a reality that Somalilanders themselves had never abandoned.

Thirty five years later, Somaliland’s story remains, above all else, a human one. A story carried by memory, sacrifice and reconciliation. It is to that generation that I pay tribute today.

By Dr. Mohamed Abillahi Omar, Ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland to the Republic of Kenya

Somaliland’s first ambassador to present credentials to Herzog tomorrow

By
Goth Mohamed
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0
Screenshot

Somaliland’s first ambassador in a foreign country will present his diplomatic credentials to President Isaac Herzog tomorrow, according to the President’s Residence.

Mohamed Hagi, appointed in February, has been serving as adviser to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, and was an architect of Israel-Somaliland relations.

In December, Israel became the only country in the world to recognize Somaliland’s independence — something the territory has been seeking since declaring its autonomy from Somalia in 1991.

Israel’s First Ambassador to Somaliland Acclaims Deepening Partnership, Broader Strategic Outreach in Africa

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Israeli diplomat Michael Lotem in Kenya, July 2025. Photo: Screenshot

The relationship between Israel and Somaliland has rapidly evolved into a strategic partnership spanning security, energy, infrastructure, and economic cooperation, according to the Jewish state’s first ambassador to the self-declared republic, who noted the strengthening of ties was part of a broader outreach effort by Jerusalem across Africa.

“They are looking to deepen cooperation in nearly every field — from energy and infrastructure to technology, education, and communications — and their desire to work with Israel is stronger than ever,” Michael Lotem said of Somaliland in an interview with Israeli news outlet N12 published on Friday.

“Security discussions are naturally part of the relationship, but our political dialogue extends far beyond that into many different areas,” he added.

In December, Israel became the first country to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Somaliland, which has claimed independence for decades in East Africa but remains largely unrecognized, is situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden and bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the south and east. It has sought to break off from Somalia since 1991 and utilized its own passports, currency, military, and law enforcement.

Unlike most states in its region, Somaliland has relative security, regular elections, and a degree of political stability.

Last month, Israel appointed Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, after the two governments formally established full diplomatic relations.

Lotem, who was serving as a non-resident economic ambassador to Africa at the time of his appointment, will now shift to work as a non-resident ambassador to Somaliland. He previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Seychelles, a position he concluded in August.

In his interview, Lotem described the growing bilateral relationship as part of Israel’s broader diplomatic and strategic push across Africa, saying the partnership also sends a wider message of legitimacy and engagement to Muslim-majority countries throughout the region.

“Over the past several years, Israel has invested significant diplomatic effort in strengthening its presence across Africa, an initiative that Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has strongly prioritized, and the results are already becoming visible very quickly,” the diplomat said.

He also pointed to what he described as major untapped potential for economic cooperation, particularly regarding Somaliland’s vast natural resources and minerals sector — including oil, gas, coal, iron, and gold.

“They are extremely interested in partnering with Israel across the entire minerals industry supply chain,” Lotem said, adding that there are also strong prospects for cooperation in energy, medicine, agriculture, education, water management, and communications.

“We hope more countries will come to recognize the strategic value and importance of this relationship,” he continued.

Although no other UN-recognized country has formally recognized Somaliland (Taiwan did so in 2020), several — including the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, and Kenya — have maintained liaison offices, allowing them to engage diplomatically and conduct trade and consular activities without full formal recognition.

According to experts, the growing Israel-Somaliland partnership could be a “game changer” for the Jewish state, boosting the country’s ability to counter the Iran-backed, Yemen-based Houthi terrorist group while offering strategic and geographic advantages amid shifting regional power dynamics.

“Somaliland’s significance lies in its geostrategic location and in its willingness — as a stable, moderate, and reliable state in a volatile region — to work closely with Western countries,” argued a report by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), a prominent Israeli think tank.

“Somaliland’s territory could serve as a forward base for multiple missions: intelligence monitoring of the Houthis and their armament efforts; logistical support for Yemen’s legitimate government in its war against them; and a platform for direct operations against the Houthis,” it continued.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has previously said that the republic would join the Abraham Accords, calling it a step toward regional and global peace and affirming his government’s commitment to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity, and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa.

The strategic partnership comes at a time when Israeli and US officials have warned of rising Islamist terrorist threats across Sub-Saharan Africa, placing the region at the forefront of global concern over jihadist activity.

Capacity Building and Digital Resilience Training for Minority and Youth Rights Defenders

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

‎Hargeisa – Daami Youth Development Organization officially opened a two-day Digital Security & Resilience Training for 50 participants from different CSOs on 5-6 May 2026,  in Burao at D-Dahab Hotel targeting civil society networks and aimed at strengthening the safety, resilience, and operational capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs), human rights defenders (HRDs), journalists, community-based organizations, and vulnerable minority groups.

‎The training is being implemented under the Hivos Project and is facilitated by a Digital Security Specialist, providing participants with practical and context-sensitive knowledge to address the growing digital risks faced by civil society actors. As organizations increasingly depend on digital tools for advocacy, documentation, and service delivery, the training focuses on threats such as surveillance, phishing, account hijacking, data breaches, online harassment, and doxxing—risks that disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Capacity Building and Digital Resilience Training for minority and youth rights defenders equips activists with the skills to navigate online threats, counter disinformation, and safely document human rights violations. Core modules typically cover threat modeling, secure communications, digital rights advocacy, and psychological well-being.

‎In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Mahmoud Abdi , the Director of Daami Youth Development Organization underscored the urgency of building digital resilience among civil society networks, particularly those working with vulnerable minority and other marginalized led organizations. He noted that digital security is essential not only for organizational protection but also for safeguarding beneficiaries, sensitive data, and community trust.

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‎Mr. Mohamud also addressed participants, emphasizing the critical role of youth-led and network-based organizations in mainstreaming digital security practices across their work. He encouraged participants to integrate digital safety measures into organizational policies and daily operations.

The executive director of the Daami Youth  told participants, “As we live in the digital age, Cybersecurity is a plan that requires a set of practices, tools, infrastructure, and most importantly qualified human resources specifically trained for the purpose. In contemporary times, every government and private sector needs to invest in securing its vital data as a nation as well as the data and identity of each and every one of its citizens. This requires an internal technical capacity building at the government level, but also developing rules and regulations to govern the IT security.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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