- Diplomatic Move Deepens Ties Between Israel and Breakaway African Territory
JERUSALEM: Somaliland officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, marking a new stage in relations between Israel and the self-declared independent African territory.
The opening ceremony took place during the first-ever state visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, following Israel’s decision to become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the development, describing it as a historic moment in bilateral relations.
“Honoured to host my dear friend President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his historic state visit to open Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem,” Saar said in a statement.
He added that he was proud to have contributed to what he called “the first pages in the story of the Israel-Somaliland relationship.”
OIC Condemns Embassy Opening
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly criticized the embassy inauguration, calling the move a violation of international law.
In a statement reported by Saudi state media, the OIC said the decision was “illegal” and a breach of the United Nations Charter and relevant UN resolutions.
The organization also rejected Israel’s authority over Jerusalem, stating that measures affecting the city’s political, legal and demographic status have no validity under international law.
Jerusalem Embassy Status Remains Controversial
Somaliland has become the eighth country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, joining the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Fiji.
However, most countries with diplomatic missions in Israel continue to maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv due to the unresolved international dispute over Jerusalem’s status.
The city remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with competing claims over sovereignty and administration.
Israel-Somaliland Relations Enter New Phase
The embassy opening follows Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December, making it the first country to recognize the territory’s independence since it declared separation from Somalia in 1991 after years of civil conflict.
Somaliland has operated with its own government and institutions for decades but has not received broad international recognition as an independent state.
The new diplomatic relationship represents a significant foreign policy development for both sides, while also drawing criticism from countries and organizations that support Somalia’s territorial integrity.
BY: The Times Union
