Arabic version: إسرائيل تستضيف رئيس أرض الصومال لتعزيز العلاقات الدبلوماسية
Israel rolled out a lavish state welcome for Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Jerusalem, extending honours rarely accorded to the leader of a territory still unrecognised by any country other than Israel. This visit, the first of its kind by a Somaliland leader, follows Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence from Somalia six months ago. According to Al Jazeera, Abdullahi expressed gratitude for Israel’s recognition, stating, “For 35 years we have been asking the world to see us. And Israel and you yourself were the first to see us and recognise us.”
During the visit, high-profile ceremonies were complemented by the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at fostering a partnership in security and trade. Somaliland’s geographical position, adjacent to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, enhances its strategic importance for Israel, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts and disruptions in the Red Sea region.
The visit included a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, and the opening of Somaliland’s embassy in West Jerusalem, a controversial move that diverges from the common practice of maintaining embassies in Tel Aviv. This decision has drawn criticism from Palestine and other international bodies.
While Somaliland seeks to enhance cooperation with Israel in various sectors, security interests dominate the discourse. Allegations have surfaced regarding Israel’s intentions to establish a military facility in Somaliland, potentially linked to operations against the Houthis in Yemen. Somaliland’s leadership has not firmly denied these claims, leaving the door open to speculation.
Somalia’s government has expressed concern over the implications of Somaliland’s ties with Israel, fearing that it could drag the region into further conflict. Somali officials, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, have rejected overtures from Israel, indicating that engagement with Somaliland poses significant challenges for Somalia’s unity. Despite the popularity of the relationship in Somaliland, dissent is emerging regarding the terms of cooperation with Israel.
