Somaliland President makes ‘historic’ visit to Israel

Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met his Israeli counterpart yesterday (Sunday) in Jerusalem in his first-ever state visit, which comes months after Israel officially recognised the breakaway African state, reports RFI. In December, Israel became the first country to recognise the independence of Somaliland since it declared its autonomy from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war. ‘The visit carries special significance,’ said Abdullahi, according to a statement issued by the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own currency, passport and army, but has struggled to win international recognition amid concerns in many capitals that this would provoke Somalia and encourage other separatist movements in Africa. The visit comes just weeks after Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, a reciprocal move after Somaliland named its own envoy to Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had travelled to Somaliland in January – a trip that drew sharp condemnation from Somalia, which described it as an ‘unauthorised incursion’.

Meanwhile an africanews report states that Somali’s President says Israel is exploiting its row with Somaliland. In an interview with a local TV station, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Israel's recognition of Somaliland marked one of the darkest days in Somalia's history. He said Mogadishu remained committed to peace in its pursuit of reunification. Mogadishu maintains that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is null and void. In Somaliland too, some are opposed to ties with Israel, citing atrocities in Gaza and the occupation of several Muslim countries. Dozens have been arrested for protesting against the alliance, including religious scholars and youths waving Palestinian flags.

Full RFI report

Full africanews report