The presentation of credentials of Ambassador Michael Lotem reaffirms the rock-solid bonds between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel, and our shared commitment to a trusted, enduring strategic partnership.

Done

I am honoured to receive the Letters of Credence of H.E. Mr. Michael Lotem, the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel @Israel to the Republic of Somaliland, marking a historic milestone in our diplomatic relations. As the first Ambassador accredited to Somaliland by a United Nations Member State, his appointment heralds a new chapter in Israel–Somaliland relations, founded on mutual respect, friendship, and a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership.

Israel’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi last week in a historic ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. The ceremony marks another important step in strengthening relations between Israel and Somaliland, following their mutual recognition on December 26, 2025. Since then, ties between the two countries have continued to develop. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made a historic visit to Somaliland in January 2026, while Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem during President Abdullahi’s visit to Israel in June 2026. Following the presentation of credentials, a cornerstone-laying ceremony was held for Israel’s new embassy in Hargeisa. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said: “Israel is determined to develop and strengthen its relations with Somaliland. “The appointment of ambassadors, in accordance with the agreement reached when our countries established mutual recognition, is another important step in deepening the ties between us.”

1️⃣ 🛑 يشهد القرن الأفريقي تطوراً جديداً مع وصول أول سفير إسرائيلي إلى إقليم «أرض الصومال»، في خطوة تعكس انتقال التقارب بين الجانبين إلى مستوى دبلوماسي رسمي، وسط استعدادات لافتتاح سفارة إسرائيلية في هرغيسا. 🛑 وفي تصريحات لـ«الشرق الأوسط»، قال المحلل السياسي من «أرض الصومال» عبد الكريم سعيد صالح، إن وصول السفير الإسرائيلي يعكس رغبة تل أبيب في توسيع نفوذها بمنطقة القرن الأفريقي، خصوصًا على سواحل خليج عدن وبالقرب من مضيق باب المندب، مقابل منح الإقليم فرصة لدعم مساعيه للحصول على اعتراف أوسع.👇

Abdilahi Ismail Fariid, the Chairman of the Somaliland Community in Birmingham, was tragically killed today by an unjust hand after performing the Dhuhr (noon) prayer. The incident took place at the Golis restaurant, Coventry Road, adjacent to Dahabshiil in the city of Birmingham. The perpetrator, who is also from Somaliland, is currently in custody. Abdillahi was a businessman with enterprises both in this country (the UK) and in Somaliland. He was a righteous man of deep faith and worship. May Allah have mercy on him, illuminate his grave, and grant him spaciousness in it. May Allah grant patience and prayer to his family and friends. Ameen. Please pray for him. #Somaliland

So the UN has ended its decades long Political Mission in Somalia. Has it achieved anything at enormous cost? Judging by the state of Somali politics - answer is no! Meanwhile, next door Somaliland's democracy prgresses with no outside help or cost. apnews.com/article/somalia-u…

Nobel Prize winner Prof. Robinson describes #Somaliland as a compelling example of successful indigenous state-building. After receiving his Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his studies on how institutions are formed and how they affect prosperity, Professor James A. Robinson highlighted Somaliland's peace process and consensus-building during his Nobel lecture on December 8, 2024, at Stockholm University's Aula Magna. Prof. Robinson is the co-author of the acclaimed book Why Nations Fail, which explores how inclusive political and economic institutions drive long-term prosperity.

🚨The United Nations buried a damning report it commissioned on the brutal Genocide in which Ilhan Omar’s father was a Colonel! The report concluded that the Somalian Government perpetrated Genocide against the Isaaq people of Somaliland. Why did the UN burry this!

🚨Full interview: Somaliland's ambassador to Israel, @AmbMohamedHagi with @AlexWinston89 on security cooperation, the Red Sea, minerals,oil and potential investment opportunities for Israeli companies in the Republic of Somaliland at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference, 13 Oct. x.com/NexusEchoX/status/2114…

Saeed Ibrahim questions Rep. Ilhan Omar's account of her family's refugee history, weighing in on reports that her father served as a colonel under Somali dictator Siad Barre. @SchmittNYC

Why is the US ambassador to Ethiopia undermining Trump? washingtonexaminer.com/opini…

This morning, while I was walking along the beach in Berbera, my mind suddenly drifted back nearly 200 years to February 6th, 1827, the day our nation's name, #Somaliland, was born in Berbera. The 1827 Battle of Berbera & Peace Treaty Timeline of Events: 1825 - The Attack on the Mary Anne A British merchant ship, the Mary Anne (captained by Captain Linguard), docked at Berbera. Local Habr Awal (Isaaq) clan members attacked the ship, stole its cargo, and killed several crew members and passengers. 1825–1826 - The British Blockade To retaliate, the British Royal Navy and the East India Company blockaded the port of Berbera, cutting off vital trade between the Horn of Africa, Arabia, and India. January 10–11, 1827 - The Battle of Berbera A British naval force arrived to enforce peace terms and claim compensation by force: British Fleet: HMS Tamar, HMS Pandora, and HMS Amherst. Commanders: Captain W. C. Jervoise and Captain James Gordon Bremer. Landing Force: Around 250 Royal Marines and Indian Sepoys. The Fighting: On January 11, British troops landed on shore. Local Somali warriors resisted, ambushing a unit led by Lieutenant Jeffrey Noble. One Royal Marine was killed and several were wounded. Outcome: British troops captured the town center, ending the fighting and forcing local elders to negotiate. February 6, 1827 - The Treaty Signing Habr Awal elders and British leaders signed the formal peace agreement in Berbera. Key Terms of the 1827 Treaty. Reparations: Habr Awal elders agreed to pay 15,000 Spanish Dollars over three years to cover the losses from the 1825 Mary Anne attack. Peace & Friendship: Both sides declared "perpetual peace and friendship." Trade Access: British ships were guaranteed safe passage, full trade access, and equal harbor rights at Berbera and nearby ports. Suppression of Slave Trade: The agreement included early terms restricting local involvement in the slave trade. The Somaliland elders who signed this agreement did not speak or write English, but they were fluent in Arabic. They wrote: 'We, the elders of Habr Awal responsible for the land of Ardu-Somal (dhulka Soomaaliyeed), declare that we accept this peace treaty between Great Britain and our people.' British officers translated the Arabic text into English, translating Ardu-Somal (Arabic) to Somaliland (English). For the first time in history, the name Somaliland was translated into English, it was born in Berbera on that day. Historical Importance This agreement was the first official treaty between Great Britain and local leaders in modern-day Somaliland, marking the beginning of Britain’s permanent diplomatic and commercial influence in the Horn of Africa.

SPEAK TO SAAB (5): “FROM THE DIASPORA TO SERVICE: Meet Dr. Manal, Who Personally Funds The Brighter Future Organization in Republic of Somaliland”

According to survivor accounts from the Isaaq genocide (1987-89), Siad Barre’s forces killed schoolchildren and drained their blood for transfusions to injured soldiers when supplies ran short. The broader campaign killed an estimated 50,000-200,000 civilians and was labeled genocide by a UN probe. This specific detail rests mainly on oral testimony.

So this is what an agreement signed by IATA’s Kamil Al-Awadhi with the government of Somalia looks like,a government presiding over a terrorism and piracy infested country and ranked by Transparency International as the most corrupt in the world. One has to wonder what credibility,transparency,or accountability IATA expects from such a partner. An international aviation body entrusted with upholding global aviation standards should be particularly cautious about lending institutional legitimacy to a failed state whose record on politicisation of civil aviation, safety,corruption and governance raises such serious concerns. @IATA @icao

Somaliland's first investment summit, as organisers billed it, was held in London on 14 October at AFSIC Investing in Africa 2026. Lord Stuart Polak, UK House of Lords: "Investors do not invest in maps. They invest in people, infrastructure, institutions and markets."

@SecRubio USA ❤️

SOMALILAND—USA—IS FORMAL RECOGNITION NEAR? I hope so.