President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met with President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem over the weekend, in Somaliland’s first official state visit to Israel since recognition in late 2025. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, including cooperation on political, economic and security matters.
The visit follows the appointment of Israel’s first Ambassador to Somaliland, with Somaliland reciprocating by naming its own envoy, signalling a formalisation of diplomatic ties.
Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs, said the visit reflects both opportunity and geopolitical complexity. “This visit… has also a complexity of contradictions… engaging on political, economic and security issues… considering that there is still a conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Mantula said.
Mantula noted that Somaliland’s status remains contested within the African Union (AU) and United Nations, and the visit risks intensifying tensions.
Neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia and Djibouti are expected to closely monitor developments, given potential implications for regional politics. “They will be concerned… the immediate neighbours will be the first to catch that concern and that impact,” Mantula said.
Mantula said Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition is a key driver behind the engagement. “This visit becomes important for Somaliland… in terms of recognition,” Mantula said.
The AU is also likely to assess the implications of the move, particularly in light of broader tensions involving Israel. “For me, it is the issue of how the AU will look at this posture… what will be its implications,” Mantula said.
Security considerations are expected to feature prominently, especially given the participation of defence officials in the delegation and ongoing instability in the Horn of Africa. “It will have an impact… we cannot ignore the influence of Israel… within the Horn of Africa,” Mantula said.
Despite concerns, Mantula said Somaliland stands to gain from closer cooperation with Israel in key sectors. “They will benefit… in technology… health… education,” Mantula said.
–ChannelAfrica–
