Israel’s Historic Visit to Somaliland

AMajor Shift in Horn of Africa Diplomacy1. Detailed Analysis (Falanqayn)The official visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Hargeysa marks the first high-level diplomatic engagement between Israel and Somaliland.

According to Sa’ar’s official statement, the visit aims to “advance relations” and establish a “diplomatic roadmap” between the two nations. This move is strategic for Israel as it seeks new allies in the Red Sea region.

For Somaliland, this is a massive step toward its goal of international recognition.

By hosting a major power like Israel, Somaliland is positioning itself as an independent sovereign actor, bypassing the federal government in Mogadishu.

However, this visit is likely to escalate tensions in an already volatile region, as it challenges Somalia’s territorial integrity.2. Potential Counter-Measures by the Somali GovernmentSince the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory, it is expected to react strongly.

Here are the potential steps Mogadishu might take to block or sanction this development:Airspace Restrictions (Cunuqabateyn dhanka Cirka): Since the FGS controls the Somali airspace (Flight Information Region – FIR), it could issue a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) to ban any direct flights between Israel and Hargeysa. International airlines flying to Somaliland could be threatened with license revocation if they violate Mogadishu’s directives.

We previously saw this when Somalia cut ties with Guinea and Kenya over similar “sovereign-like” treatment of Somaliland leaders

Maritime Blockade (Cunuqabateyn dhanka Bada): Somalia may attempt to declare the waters off Somaliland as restricted zones. While enforcing this is difficult without a strong navy, they can use international maritime law to label ships docking in Berbera without Mogadishu’s consent as “illegal,” affecting insurance and international shipping trade.Diplomatic Sanctions: Somalia might sever ties or expel ambassadors from any nation that facilitates these talks.

International Appeals: Mogadishu will likely lodge formal complaints with the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU), citing a violation of its sovereignty and the AU principle of “inviolability of colonial borders.”