Jerusalem, Israel. Somaliland will set up an embassy in Jerusalem soon, its ambassador said on Tuesday, after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared republic. Israel is expected to open an embassy in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, the ambassador said.
Embassy plans and recognition
Ambassador Mohamed Hagi said in a post on X that Israel is expected to set up an embassy in Hargeisa in turn. Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state in December, a move Somalia rejected and termed a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
Somaliland’s status and search for recognition
Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy and relative peace and stability since 1991, when Somalia descended into civil war, but until December had failed to receive recognition from any other country. Somalia has rallied international actors over the years against any country recognising Somaliland.
Israel’s comments and embassy count in Jerusalem
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that opening the embassy in Jerusalem would be another significant step in strengthening relations with Somaliland. He said the Somaliland embassy would be the eighth embassy in Jerusalem once opened.
Embassies in Israel and Jerusalem’s status
Most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, although the United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem during President Donald Trump’s first administration. Fiji, Papua New Guinea and a small number of other countries have also established embassies there.
Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its capital, a position not widely recognised internationally. The United Nations and most countries regard East Jerusalem as territory occupied by Israel. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza.
What impact could Somaliland’s planned embassy in Jerusalem have on its efforts to gain wider international recognition?
