Somaliland’s president set to make First-Ever official visit to Israel

Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, is expected to undertake his first official visit to Israel at the end of March, according to two individuals familiar with the matter who spoke to The Jerusalem Post.

The Post noted that this would not be his first time in the country. He previously traveled quietly to Israel during earlier diplomatic exchanges that ultimately culminated in Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. Those behind-the-scenes discussions laid the groundwork for the current strengthening of ties between the two sides.

On December 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally recognized Somaliland as “an independent and sovereign state.” The announcement marked a historic milestone, making Israel the first United Nations member state to extend official recognition to Somaliland since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The decision was formalized through a joint declaration signed by President Irro and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

In January 2026, Foreign Minister Sa'ar traveled to Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, where he held talks with President Irro. The visit marked the first official trip by an Israeli foreign minister to Somaliland and symbolized the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two parties. The occasion included ceremonial events and the prominent display of both Israeli and Somaliland flags, visually reinforcing the newly formalized alliance.

Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud condemned Israel’s recognition, describing it as an act of aggression and contrary to international norms. Mahmoud argued that the decision “threatened Somalia’s territorial integrity” and warned that it risked importing Middle Eastern political tensions into the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s officials reiterated their long-standing position that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and accused Israel of undermining Somali sovereignty.

Across the wider Horn of Africa, the move generated unease. Several Arab states aligned with Somalia also criticized Israel’s decision, linking it to broader regional disputes, including tensions surrounding Palestine. In contrast, celebrations erupted in Somaliland, where many residents welcomed the development.

The diplomatic fallout escalated quickly. Somalia lodged formal complaints with both the United Nations and the African Union, seeking to mobilize international opposition to the recognition. Regional leaders including Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that the decision could embolden other secessionist movements across the continent. Observers viewed Israel’s move as consistent with Netanyahu’s broader geopolitical strategy of expanding influence in Africa and countering the sway of certain Arab states. The episode underscored the fragile political balance in the Horn of Africa, where local rivalries intersect closely with wider Middle Eastern dynamics.

The anticipated visit also follows recent remarks by President Irro to Reuters indicating that Somaliland aims to finalize a commercial agreement with Israel in the near term. He said the territory is prepared to grant access to its natural resources as part of a broader economic partnership.

Although no formal bilateral trade pact has yet been concluded, Irro said negotiations are ongoing and expressed confidence that a partnership framework could be secured soon. He noted that there is currently neither trade nor Israeli investment in Somaliland but voiced optimism about future cooperation. Somaliland hopes to attract Israeli investors and expand commercial engagement, including partnerships with private companies as well as official government channels in Israel.

According to the president, Somaliland is willing to provide access to key resources — including minerals, oil, and natural gas — to encourage foreign investment. He highlighted the territory’s economic potential across sectors such as energy, agriculture, fisheries, and marine resources. Exports including livestock products, seafood, and minerals could form the foundation of future trade relations, he said, adding that opportunities for cooperation are substantial. The reported visit represents the latest step in what appears to be rapidly expanding ties between Tel Aviv and Hargeisa.