Somaliland President Arrives in Israel on Landmark Visit to Open Embassy

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 14 – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi arrived in Israel on Sunday for a historic maiden visit aimed at cementing ties, months after Jerusalem controversially recognized the self-declared state's independence.

The high-stakes visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government formally recognized Somaliland in December 2025, triggering a furious response from the central government of Somalia.

Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, declared independence in 1991 but has since lacked widespread international recognition despite maintaining its own government, currency, and security apparatus.

President Abdullahi, popularly known as "Irro," previously made a discreet trip to Israel during backchannel diplomatic talks that paved the way for the December recognition, officials said.

On Sunday, Abdullahi was scheduled to receive an official welcome ceremony hosted by Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the presidential residence in Jerusalem.

The diplomatic centerpiece of the trip will take place on Monday evening, when Abdullahi is set to officially open Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem, marking the formal establishment of bilateral ties.

The new mission aims to expand cooperation in security, trade, water technology, and renewable energy. Following the inauguration, the Somaliland leader is scheduled to hold talks with Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

During his multi-day stay, which lasts until Thursday, Abdullahi will also lay a wreath at Mount Herzl and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. His itinerary includes a tour of the Knesset and a visit to the site of the Nova music festival, where Hamas militants carried out a massacre during the October 7, 2023 attacks.

'Dark Day'

The diplomatic romance has sparked fierce condemnation from Mogadishu, which views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud slammed Israel's recognition of the breakaway region as "one of the darkest days" in the country's history, accusing Netanyahu of trying to fracture Somalia's sovereignty.

Mohamud alleged that Israel has a threefold agenda behind the move: a plan to relocate displaced Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland, the establishment of military bases in the strategic port of Berbera to counter Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, and securing Somaliland’s signature on the Abraham Accords.

Despite Mogadishu's protests, the Somaliland delegation is pushing ahead with economic engagement, scheduling extensive meetings with Israeli business leaders to draw foreign investment into the Horn of Africa territory.

GAROWE ONLINE