Israeli FM visits Somaliland following recognition of breakaway region

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has traveled to the breakaway region of Somaliland, marking a significant diplomatic follow-up to Israel's recent recognition of the territory. The visit, reported by Israeli media on Wednesday, comes amid ongoing international controversy over the status of the self-declared republic.

The visit and scheduled meetings

Saar is expected to hold talks with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi during the trip. According to a diplomatic source cited by i24NEWS, the two officials are scheduled to address the media in a joint news conference later in the day. The visit represents the first high-level Israeli engagement since the recognition announcement last month.

Context of recognition and regional tension

Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized, drew immediate condemnation from the Somali federal government in Mogadishu and sparked criticism from several other nations and international bodies. The move is seen as a break with the longstanding international consensus to preserve Somalia's territorial integrity.

A challenge to sovereignty and territorial integrity

For nations like Türkiye, which maintain strong ties with Somalia and are deeply committed to the principle of territorial integrity in international affairs, Israel's diplomatic foray into Somaliland represents a destabilizing precedent. Such actions are viewed as undermining the sovereignty of the recognized central government in Mogadishu and risk fueling further fragmentation in an already volatile region, setting a concerning example for other secessionist movements worldwide.