Somalia strongly condemned Israel’s appointment of Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, calling it a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law. This diplomatic escalation follows Israel’s controversial decision in December 2025 to formally recognize the breakaway region, a move widely criticized by the international community. Mogadishu firmly rejected any attempt to confer diplomatic legitimacy upon Somaliland, which has operated as a de facto independent entity since 1991 but remains unrecognized by the UN. Israel’s move means that Somaliland gains international legitimacy. In return, Somaliland provides Israel with a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, the development deals the Somali federal government a diplomatic blow, as the move undermines its claim of unified territorial sovereignty. If Somaliland’s de facto independence gains more bilateral recognition, it could embolden other secessionist movements across Africa and complicate Somalia’s already fragile state-building efforts.
Anadolu Ajansi
