Israel has taken a significant step in expanding its diplomatic and security presence in Africa after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar conducted an official visit to Somaliland, marking the first visit by a foreign minister since the territory declared independence 34 years ago.
The visit follows Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland on 26 December 2025, according to Business Insider Africa, a move that reshapes the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa and signals a new phase in Israel’s engagement on the continent.
In a statement from the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said he received Sa’ar and a high-level Israeli delegation on an official state visit, expressing gratitude for what he described as a “historic and courageous” recognition decision.
“This milestone reflects a relationship founded on mutual respect and shared interests, aimed at cooperation and stability without prejudice to any party. This recognition opens a new chapter of formal diplomatic relations, security, economic, and development cooperation, serving the mutual interests of both nations and contributing positively to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa,” the president said.
The Somaliland government added that the recognition establishes a framework for formal diplomatic relations, security collaboration, economic engagement, and development cooperation between the two sides.
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Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized that his country is committed to actively advancing relations with Somaliland. “Today, we held substantive discussions with the President and senior members of his government on the full range of our relations.
The mutual recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries are not directed against anyone,” he said.
For Israel, Somaliland offers a unique strategic advantage. Situated along the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important shipping corridors connecting the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia, Somaliland provides a crucial vantage point for regional security and global trade.
Control and stability around this maritime chokepoint are essential for energy flows, trade routes, and managing security risks in the region.
By recognising Somaliland and establishing formal relations, Israel gains a politically aligned partner overseeing one of the most sensitive security zones in the world, where Iranian influence, militant networks, and proxy conflicts intersect with global shipping lanes.
This makes Somaliland far more than a symbolic diplomatic achievement.
Somaliland’s leadership has positioned itself as a reliable and responsible partner, stressing its commitment to regional and international peace and security.
In its statement, the government said recognition from Israel creates a platform for long-term cooperation in security, development, and economic engagement, based on mutual interests rather than ideological alignment.
The move also fits into Israel’s broader Africa strategy. Morocco, which normalised ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020, has become Israel’s main North African security anchor, with joint military planning and defence cooperation continuing through 2026.
Somaliland now provides a second strategic pillar in East Africa, creating a security and diplomatic arc stretching from the Atlantic-facing Maghreb to the Red Sea corridor.
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Image Credit: CediRates
