TEL AVIV — Israel’s Foreign Ministry has officially granted diplomatic accreditation to the first ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, marking a further step in deepening relations following Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region in December 2025.
In statements issued Wednesday, the ministry confirmed that Dr. Mohamed Omar Haaji Mohamud, also known as Mohamed Hagi, has been appointed as Somaliland’s full and plenipotentiary ambassador to Israel. The accreditation follows the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides on December 26, 2025, and builds on agreements reached during Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s visit to Somaliland last month.
Dr. Mohamed Hagi currently serves as an adviser to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Irro or Cirro. Israeli officials described him as part of a group of senior figures who played an active role in advancing ties between Israel and Somaliland throughout 2025.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also announced plans to appoint its own ambassador to Somaliland in the near future, describing the move as an additional step toward strengthening diplomatic, strategic, and security cooperation.
As part of the expanding partnership, Israel’s international development agency, MASHAV, is this week hosting a specialized training program for officials from Somaliland’s Water Authority and Ministry of Water. According to the ministry, the initiative is designed to support construction, development, and planning in Somaliland’s water sector while enhancing professional collaboration between the two sides.
The development comes amid reports in Israeli media that President Abdullahi is expected to make an official visit to Israel at the end of March. If confirmed, the trip would mark the first public visit by a Somaliland president to Israel, although media reports indicate he previously held discreet discussions in the country during earlier diplomatic engagements.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not secured broad international recognition. Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland in December 2025. Somalia’s federal government has rejected the move, describing it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has sought regional and international support in opposition to the decision.
Despite tensions with Mogadishu, authorities in Hargeisa have signaled plans to expand cooperation with Israel in areas including water management, agricultural technology, innovation, and regional security.
