Somaliland, the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia more than three decades ago, is set to open an embassy in Jerusalem, its ambassador said on Tuesday, months after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the territory as an independent state.
Somaliland Ambassador Mohamed Hagi said the diplomatic mission in Jerusalem would be established soon, while Israel is also expected to open an embassy in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa.
The development marks a significant step in ties between Israel and Somaliland after Israel formally recognised the breakaway region as an independent and sovereign state in December.
Somalia strongly rejected Israel’s recognition at the time, describing it as a “deliberate attack” on Somali sovereignty.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and the outbreak of civil war. Although it has maintained its own government, currency and security institutions and remained relatively stable compared with much of Somalia, it had failed to gain official recognition from any country before Israel’s decision.
For years, Somalia has lobbied internationally against recognition of Somaliland, insisting the region remains part of Somali territory.
Observers say recognition by Israel could strengthen Somaliland’s hopes of gaining broader international acceptance and improving access to foreign investment and global markets.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said opening a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem would represent another important step in deepening bilateral relations.
According to Saar, Somaliland’s mission would become the eighth embassy located in Jerusalem.
Most countries maintain embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv rather than Jerusalem because the city’s status remains internationally disputed.
The United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem during President Donald Trump’s first term, while a small number of countries including Fiji and Papua New Guinea have also established diplomatic missions there.
Israel considers all of Jerusalem its capital, a position not widely recognised internationally. The United Nations and many countries view East Jerusalem as occupied territory.
Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza.
The planned embassy exchange between Israel and Somaliland is likely to draw fresh scrutiny over recognition disputes in the Horn of Africa as well as the contested status of Jerusalem.
