Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is a historic milestone that generations of Somalilanders have waited to see, Somaliland Foreign Ministry’s Director-General Mohamed Abdirahman told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday.
“This is very, very important,” he said. “It is a significant milestone – an achievement that for a long time Somaliland has been waiting for. For me personally, it is the achievement of a lifetime.”
Recalling the early years after Somaliland began rebuilding itself, Abdirahman painted a stark picture of post-conflict hardship.
“I was young when Somaliland restored its independence,” he said. “I remember studying in schools without teachers or roofs because of the damage and destruction caused by the conflict. We were starting from scratch, but we never gave up hope.”
For decades, he noted, Somalilanders waited for international recognition. “We always waited for the first country to come forward,” he said. “That moment has finally arrived.”
Abdirahman expressed deep gratitude to Israel and praised what he described as the courage of Somaliland’s leadership.
“This is a historic decision,” he said. “Our people highly appreciate and are deeply grateful to Israel.”
According to Abdirahman, the breakthrough did not come overnight. While Somaliland’s current government only took office earlier this year, diplomatic engagement has been ongoing.
“This process did not happen without meetings,” he said. “Officials from Somaliland and Israel have been meeting and discussing these matters for some time. This was the result of serious, sustained dialogue.”
Abdirahman also addressed the opposition to the move. “The government of Somalia has never wanted Somaliland to get its chance,” he said. “It tried to use claims of legitimacy that do not exist. But today, there was nothing it could do about this.”
Comparison between Somalia, radical Islamist groups
Further, he drew a stark comparison between Somalia’s federal government and radical Islamist groups.
“What is striking is that both the Somali government and the violent extremist group Al-Shabaab share the same stance – they are against Israel and Somaliland,” he said. “That demonstrates the magnitude of the challenge we face.”
Despite this opposition, Abdirahman said, Somaliland’s resolve remains firm. “They can see now that Somaliland has finally achieved what it has long sought.”
The reaction on the streets, the Foreign Ministry’s director-general said, has been unprecedented.
“There have been massive celebrations,” Abdirahman said. “Young people, old people – everyone – were waving Israeli and Somaliland flags. The crowds were jubilant across Hargeisa (the capital), Berbera, and other cities. I have not seen anything like this for a very long time.”
Unlike partisan celebrations tied to elections, he added, this moment belonged to everyone. “This time, everybody was winning. It was something we owned together, something we are all proud of, especially the younger generation.”
Celebrations extended far beyond Somaliland’s borders. “There were celebrations last night in London and other cities in the UK,” he said. “You will see more occurring in the US – Washington, Minnesota, and wherever there is a Somaliland community.”
Looking ahead, Abdirahman noted that recognition marks the beginning – not the end – of a broader partnership.
“This is a reciprocal relationship,” he said. “Diplomatic relations will naturally lead to economic collaboration, security cooperation, and joint interests that benefit both sides.”
He confirmed that Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has been invited to visit Jerusalem, calling this “very, very important.”
Plans are also underway to establish mutual embassies and maintain close diplomatic ties.
“Somaliland wants to be a reliable ally, one that can be trusted and recognized,” Abdirahman continued. “There should be no question about that.”
For Somaliland, he said, the moment is both historic and deeply personal. “This is not just diplomacy,” Abdirahman added. “It is the realization of the dream that our people have carried for decades.”