Jerusalem, Israel (Running Africa) – Somaliland has opened its first embassy in Jerusalem, marking a significant step in its growing diplomatic relationship with Israel and advancing its long-running campaign for international recognition.

The embassy was officially inaugurated during an official visit to Israel by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The development comes six months after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025, a move widely viewed as a diplomatic breakthrough for the self-declared republic.

Netanyahu welcomed the opening of the diplomatic mission, describing it as another milestone in the strengthening relationship between the two sides and highlighting what he called longstanding ties between their peoples.

Somaliland’s decision to establish its embassy in Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv, where most foreign diplomatic missions to Israel are located, was praised by Israeli officials and has further elevated the symbolic significance of the move.

The development, however, has drawn criticism from Somalia, which continues to regard Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory. Somali authorities condemned foreign engagement with the breakaway region and reiterated their opposition to any actions that could be interpreted as recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Over the past three decades, it has maintained its own government, security forces, currency, and electoral system, while seeking formal recognition from the international community.

Despite its relative stability and functioning institutions, Somaliland has struggled to secure widespread diplomatic recognition. Israel’s recognition and the opening of the Jerusalem embassy represent some of the most significant international gains for the territory since its declaration of independence.

The latest move is expected to further shape diplomatic discussions around Somaliland’s status as its leaders continue to pursue broader international acceptance and deeper bilateral partnerships.