Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia since 1991, has opened an embassy in Jerusalem after Israel recognised it as an independent state.
The diplomatic mission, located in a technology park in West Jerusalem, opened during President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi’s official visit to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the move, citing a “deep spiritual bond” and promising cooperation on natural resources such as rare earth minerals and oil.
Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, criticised the engagement as a violation of its sovereignty, while the African Union and countries like China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia had questioned Israel’s 2025 recognition.
The embassy’s placement in Jerusalem also touches on the broader politics of the city, which Israel annexed in 1980 but whose status remains disputed by Palestinians and the international community.
The move underscores Somaliland’s continued efforts to gain international recognition and solidify its autonomy and stability in a volatile region.
