Arab and African governments have stepped up their condemnation of Israel’s growing diplomatic engagement with Somaliland, calling it a direct challenge to Somalia’s territorial integrity and a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. The backlash intensified after Israel announced Michael Lotem, a former ambassador to Kenya, as its first envoy to Somaliland, months after becoming the first country to formally recognise the breakaway region as an independent state.
In a joint statement posted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ministers from more than a dozen Muslim-majority countries, including Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and Kuwait, described Israel’s move as a “flagrant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty. They said unilateral steps of that kind contravene international law, undermine the unity of states and set a dangerous precedent for the region.
The African Union has also rejected the decision in strong terms. In a statement issued on April 19, the AU Commission said it does not recognise Somaliland as an independent state and reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia. It added that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is “null and void” and warned that such actions risk undermining regional peace and security.
Israel’s latest step follows its formal recognition of Somaliland in late December 2025, a move that immediately drew protests from Somalia, the AU and several regional powers. Since then, diplomatic ties have moved quickly. Reports say Israel has granted diplomatic approval to Mohamed Hagi, a presidential adviser in Somaliland who helped broker the recognition, to serve as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel.
The diplomatic dispute has also been inflamed by speculation over military cooperation. Rumours have circulated that Israel could seek access to a military facility in Somaliland, which sits across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. Analysts have long noted the territory’s strategic location near shipping lanes and conflict zones tied to the Houthis, Iran and Hezbollah, though I did not find a reliable source confirming that Israel has formally announced plans for a base there. Reuters previously reported that Somaliland’s president said no military cooperation with Israel had yet been discussed publicly.
For Somalia and its allies, the issue goes beyond diplomacy. They see the Israel-Somaliland relationship as a test case that could embolden separatist claims elsewhere and destabilise an already fragile region. For Israel and Somaliland, however, the relationship appears to be part of a wider strategic calculation involving trade, diplomatic recognition and influence around the Red Sea corridor.
