Israel To Open Embassy In Somaliland After Recognising Breakaway region

Israel says it will soon open an embassy in Somaliland, days after becoming the first country to formally recognise the self-declared state, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia, the African Union and several other countries.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the plan on Tuesday during a visit to Hargeisa, the Somaliland capital, his first trip since Israel’s recognition of the territory last month.

Somalia’s federal government condemned the visit as an “unauthorised incursion” and an interference in its internal affairs, insisting Somaliland remains part of its sovereign territory.

Saar said Israel would not be deterred by international criticism, adding that both sides would appoint ambassadors and establish formal diplomatic relations.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own government and institutions, but had not previously been recognised by any state.

Israel’s decision has been rejected by more than 20 countries and groups, including Egypt and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, while the United States said it still recognises Somalia’s territorial integrity, including Somaliland.