Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar conducted a historic diplomatic visit to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, on January 6, 2026, marking the first official trip by a senior Israeli official to the breakaway region since Tel Aviv formally recognised Somaliland’s independence. The visit represents a significant shift in diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa, but it has provoked widespread regional controversy.
Sa’ar’s arrival in Hargeisa followed Israel’s December 26, 2025 declaration recognising Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move that shattered decades of diplomatic norms in the region and drew sharp condemnation from Somalia and other states. In Hargeisa, the foreign minister met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and senior officials to discuss deepening bilateral ties and future cooperation. The discussions reportedly focused on establishing full diplomatic relations, opening embassies in each other’s capitals and appointing ambassadors, a landmark that Somaliland leaders welcomed as a breakthrough in its long-standing quest for international legitimacy.
The Somaliland government described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations and a positive step toward enhanced cooperation across areas such as investment, technology, energy and trade. Israel’s recognition and Sa’ar’s presence were framed by Hargeisa officials as supportive of Somaliland’s self-determination and its contributions to regional stability.
However, the trip has triggered significant diplomatic backlash, particularly from Somalia’s federal government, which reiterated that Somaliland remains part of Somalia’s sovereign territory and condemned Sa’ar’s visit as an unauthorised incursion and violation of territorial integrity. Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the actions undermine the UN Charter and African Union principles governing sovereignty. The controversy has also prompted regional responses, including discussions among African Union members and other neighbouring states concerned about the broader implications for regional peace and diplomatic norms.
