Israeli occupation’s ambassador Michael Lotem presented his credentials to the President of the breakaway region of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, on Sunday, laying the foundation stone for an embassy in the city of Hargeisa.
The move follows Israeli occupation’s recognition of the region’s independence on December 26, making it the first UN member state to take such a step.
The Israeli occupation’s Foreign Ministry stated that the ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa to bolster bilateral relations and implement the mutual recognition agreement. It quoted Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar as confirming Tel Aviv’s commitment to consolidating ties with the region through the exchange of ambassadors.
In response, the Somali Federal Government reiterated its firm rejection of these measures, reaffirming that the region is an integral part of its sovereign territory. Mogadishu described the Israeli recognition as a null, void, and illegal act that carries no political or legal consequences. Meanwhile, the African Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) warned that this unilateral recognition constitutes a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and threatens regional stability.
