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Israel’s Foreign Ministry has officially granted diplomatic accreditation to Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Omar Haaji Mohamud, also known as Mohamed Hagi. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a significant step in the growing relationship between Israel and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
According to the ministry, the move follows the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides on December 26, 2025. It also builds on agreements reached during a recent visit by Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, to Somaliland. That visit laid the groundwork for closer political, economic and strategic cooperation.
Dr. Mohamed Hagi, who currently serves as an adviser to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, popularly known as Irro, has been described by Israeli officials as someone who played a key role in strengthening ties between the two sides throughout 2025. With Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, he has now been appointed as Somaliland’s full ambassador to Israel. His accreditation formalizes his diplomatic status and allows him to officially represent Somaliland’s interests in Israel.
Israel has also announced plans to appoint its own ambassador to Somaliland in the near future. Officials say this will further deepen diplomatic engagement and expand cooperation in various sectors. The two sides are expected to work closely on strategic and development issues as they shape their new relationship.
As part of these efforts, Israel’s international development agency, MASHAV, is currently hosting a specialized training program for officials from Somaliland’s Water Authority and Ministry of Water. The course focuses on improving water planning, construction and management systems. It aims to strengthen Somaliland’s water sector while building professional partnerships between experts from both sides. Water management is considered a critical issue for Somaliland, which faces recurring droughts and limited infrastructure.
Reports in Israeli media also suggest that President Irro may make an official visit to Israel at the end of March. If the trip takes place, it would be the first public visit by a Somaliland president to Israel. Some sources have indicated that he previously traveled to Israel quietly during earlier diplomatic discussions, but this would mark the first formal and public state visit since recognition.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Despite maintaining relative stability and holding its own elections over the years, it has not received widespread international recognition as an independent state. Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland in December 2025, a decision that has drawn strong criticism from Somalia’s federal government.
Officials in Mogadishu have rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They argue that Somaliland remains part of Somalia under international law and have been working to rally regional and international partners to oppose the move. The issue comes at a time when Somalia is also dealing with internal political and constitutional challenges.
On the other hand, leaders in Hargeisa see Israel’s recognition as a major diplomatic breakthrough. Somaliland has been actively seeking international recognition for decades and views this development as a potential turning point. Authorities have expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Israel in areas such as technology, agriculture, innovation, water management and regional security.
For Somaliland, building partnerships in these sectors could support economic growth and infrastructure development. For Israel, the relationship opens up new diplomatic and strategic opportunities in the Horn of Africa.
While the move has reshaped regional diplomatic discussions, its long-term impact will depend on how other countries respond and whether Somaliland can secure further international recognition. For now, the accreditation of its first ambassador to Israel marks a historic milestone in its ongoing quest for global recognition.