MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a groundbreaking diplomatic maneuver, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conducted an official visit to Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first high-level Israeli engagement since Israel’s formal recognition of the breakaway territory as a sovereign state in December. The controversial move has ignited international condemnation and raised geopolitical tensions across the Horn of Africa.
The Somaliland Ministry of Information confirmed Saar’s arrival via social media, noting his reception by senior cabinet members at Hargeisa International Airport. The ministry characterized the event as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. Saar is scheduled to meet with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (commonly known as Irro) at the presidential palace later today.
This diplomatic development has drawn sharp criticism from multiple quarters. The Federal Government of Somalia issued an official statement condemning what it termed an “unauthorized incursion” and “unacceptable interference in internal affairs.” Somalia maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of its sovereign territory.
The African Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and more than twenty nations—primarily from the Middle East and Africa—have rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The United States, through State Department channels, reaffirmed its position recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity, which includes Somaliland.
Unverified social media footage purportedly showed fighter jets flying over Hargeisa during Saar’s visit, though the aircraft’s origin remains unconfirmed. This development occurs against the backdrop of previously reported discussions between Israel and Somaliland regarding potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza—a plan since abandoned by the U.S. administration.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid the country’s civil conflict. Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and security apparatus for three decades, no nation had previously recognized its sovereignty until Israel’s December 26th announcement.