Somaliland Leader Makes Historic Visit to Israel Following Recognition
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Somaliland's de facto leader, undertook his first state visit to Jerusalem on Sunday, meeting his Israeli counterpart. This diplomatic engagement follows Israel's official recognition of the breakaway African state in December, making it the first nation to do so since Somaliland declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991. Abdullahi highlighted the visit's historical significance, expressing appreciation for Israel's willingness to recognize Somaliland after decades of seeking international acknowledgment.
Somaliland's de facto leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, completed his first state visit to Jerusalem on Sunday, where he met with his Israeli counterpart. The visit occurs months after Israel officially recognized the breakaway African state.
Israel became the first country to acknowledge Somaliland's independence in December. Somaliland declared its autonomy from Somalia in 1991, following a civil war.
According to a statement issued by the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Abdullahi described the visit as carrying "special significance." He noted it was the "first state visit by a president of the Republic of Somaliland to another country" and conveyed deep appreciation that "the State of Israel has chosen to receive us with such an honour on this historic occasion."
Abdullahi further stated that Somaliland had been engaging with world leaders for 35 years, primarily seeking recognition. He emphasized that "only one country desired to see us and recognise Somaliland, and that’s the government of Israel and its people."
Somaliland holds a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and operates with its own currency, passport, and army. However, it has faced considerable challenges in securing international recognition, largely due to concerns among many capitals that such a move could provoke Somalia and potentially encourage other separatist movements across Africa.
(Source: Dawn Pakistan)
