Israeli FM's Somaliland Visit Sparks Anger in Somalia

Somalia: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has visited Somaliland, drawing sharp criticism from Somalia just days after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared republic as an independent state. Somalia condemned the trip as a violation of its sovereignty and an unlawful interference in its internal affairs.

During the visit to the capital Hargeisa, Saar met Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullah and said both sides were committed to strengthening bilateral ties. Somaliland welcomed Israel’s recognition, calling it a boost for economic development, while Somalia reiterated its opposition to any international engagement with the breakaway region, which has long sought formal recognition despite remaining unrecognised by most of the world.