On Wednesday, the Israeli government officially appointed a non-resident ambassador to the Republic of Somaliland, following Israel’s historic recognition of Somaliland. It is expected that the new Israeli ambassador will soon present his credentials to Somaliland’s President. Israel’s foreign ministry stated that the committee responsible for appointing foreign representatives, chaired by Foreign Minister Gedion Sa’ar, has formally approved the nomination of the new Israeli envoy to Somaliland. The newly appointed Israeli diplomat, Mr. Michael Lotem, has extensive experience in diplomacy and previously served as Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kenya. This appointment comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially announced the recognition of Israel to Somaliland in December 2025. Somaliland’s President, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi, also known as Irro, previously appointed a Somaliland ambassador to the State of Israel, demonstrating the exchange of diplomatic offices as bilateral cooperation between the two sides deepens. Officials from both sides have stated that these steps are part of efforts to consolidate the deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries and aim to broaden cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and security. On the other hand, the Somaliland government strongly responded to a press statement issued by the Somali Federal Government concerning the diplomatic ties between Israel and Somaliland. They strongly objected to the appointment of an Israeli ambassador to Somaliland. A statement released by Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry strongly repudiated Somalia’s allegations, stating that they are baseless, historically wrong, and not based on facts. Somaliland insists that it is an independent country that gained its independence on June 26, 1960, and has been recognized internationally by many countries. The statement also clarifies that Somaliland’s independence is not associated with the administration in Mogadishu. It adds that the Somali Federal Government does not have the legal means to interfere or speak against the Israeli-Somaliland diplomatic ties or ties with other countries, as these are the country’s prerogative rights for statehood. Somaliland argues that the idea of Somalia’s territorial integrity is misleading, and the failed union between Somalia and Somaliland does not have a strong legal basis. It reiterates that Somaliland recaptured its lost independence from Somalia in 1991 and has been fully in control of its borders since then. The statement also mentions that Somaliland has built democratic institutions, held reliable elections, maintained internal security, played a significant role in combating terrorism and piracy, and secured its maritime routes. In contrast, Somalia is heavily dependent on foreign aid, which raises questions about its future stability. Somaliland, on the other hand, does not rely on foreign aid. The statement concludes by stating that Somaliland is committed to peacefully coexisting, maintaining stability, and strengthening cooperation, but its independence is non-negotiable, and it has the right to decide its diplomatic ties with other countries. The Somali Federal Government yesterday denounced the full ambassador that Israel has appointed to Somaliland, stating that it is a clear infringement of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
