The self-declared republic of Somaliland has opened an embassy in Jerusalem, marking the first such representation by a Muslim-majority territory in the contested city. The move, which received quiet encouragement from London, represents a significant shift in diplomatic alignments in the Horn of Africa.
The embassy was inaugurated on Thursday in a ceremony attended by senior Somaliland officials and Israeli representatives. The building, a modest former apartment, now flies the blue-and-white flag of the breakaway state alongside that of Israel. Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Liban Yusuf Osman, described the opening as “a historic day for our people” and noted the long-standing informal ties between the two entities.
Britain’s role in the development is understated but pivotal. The United Kingdom maintains unofficial relations with Somaliland, a former British protectorate that seceded from Somalia in 1991. British diplomatic sources confirmed that London had facilitated introductions between Hargeisa and Jerusalem in recent months, viewing the relationship as a means to bolster stability in the Somali region without formal recognition.
The embassy opening reverses decades of diplomatic precedent. Most Muslim-majority states avoid placing diplomatic missions in Jerusalem pending a final status agreement. Somaliland’s decision is partly pragmatic: Israel provides expertise in water management, agriculture and security, all of which are critical for the arid, unrecognised state.
For Israel, the embassy cements a growing partnership with a strategic Horn of Africa actor. Somaliland’s Berbera port, which hosts a Emirati base, offers Israel alternative access to the Red Sea. The new embassy is Israel’s second in a Muslim-majority area after Jerusalem, following the establishment of a UAE mission in the city in 2021.
Critics argue the move undermines the Palestinian cause and violates international consensus. The Somali federal government in Mogadishu, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, condemned the embassy opening as “an assault on Somalia’s sovereignty”. The African Union, which does not recognise Somaliland, also expressed concern.
Yet for Hargeisa, the symbolism is clear. The embassy provides de facto recognition from a United Nations member state. It also aligns each other’s strategic interests: Somaliland seeks sovereignty; Israel seeks legitimacy in Africa.
The Foreign Office in London declined to comment on the specifics of its involvement, but a spokesperson stated: “We support dialogue and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. The UK values its relationship with both Israel and Somaliland.”
The embassy opens at a time of renewed tensions in Jerusalem, with Israeli security forces on alert after months of violence. Somaliland diplomats insist they are prepared for the security challenges.
Analysts view the move as a test case for other unrecognised entities seeking diplomatic footholds. If Somaliland’s gambit proves fruitful, Western Sahara or Transnistria may seek similar arrangements.
For now, a small flag in Jerusalem marks a quiet revolution in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
