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Israel’s Foreign Minister Visits Somaliland, Sparking Regional Outrage
Israel recognizes Somaliland; FM Gideon Saar visits amid Somalia, AU, and OIC condemnation, citing sovereignty and stability concerns.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-06
Israel’s Foreign Minister Visits Somaliland, Sparking Regional Outrage

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland on Tuesday in a high-profile visit following Israel’s official recognition of the breakaway region, sparking widespread condemnation from Somalia, the African Union, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Israel announced last month it was formally recognizing Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa that has sought international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. Saar was welcomed at the airport by Somaliland officials, with President Abdirahman Abdullahi Mohamed praising Israel’s decision as “courageous” and highlighting the potential for economic and strategic partnerships.

Somalia condemned the visit as an “unauthorised incursion” and an “illegal act”, warning it reserves the right to take “all appropriate diplomatic and legal measures” to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called the recognition a “threat” to stability in the already volatile Horn of Africa.

The African Union Peace and Security Council also condemned Israel’s recognition and called for its revocation. Meanwhile, militant group Al-Shabaab threatened to resist any attempt by Israel to establish a presence in Somaliland.

Analysts suggest Israel’s engagement with Somaliland could grant it strategic access to the Red Sea and shipping lanes, potentially supporting military operations in the region, including against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The US supported Israel’s recognition, but countries including Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the EU criticized the move.

In December, Pakistan joined 20 nations and the OIC in rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, citing violations of international law and rejecting any measures linking the decision to attempts to displace Palestinians.

Somaliland maintains that it has its own currency, passport, and army and has enjoyed relative stability compared to insurgency-hit Somalia. Its leaders claim the 1960 union with Somalia was never formally ratified and became void after the Somali state collapsed in 1991.
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