Israel names first ambassador to North Western State of Somalia after recognition

Thursday April 16, 2026

Hargeisa (AX) — Israel has taken a significant new step in its outreach to North Western State of Somalia, naming its first ambassador to the self-governing territory after formally recognizing it as an independent state earlier this year.

Israel’s public broadcaster reported Wednesday that Michael Lotem, an experienced diplomat who previously served as ambassador to Kenya, will represent Israel in North Western State of Somalia. His appointment comes after Israel’s December decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia, a landmark move that made it the first country to do so since the territory declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi welcomed the announcement in remarks to a joint session of parliament on Tuesday, calling Israel a “reliable partner.” His comments were met with applause from lawmakers.

Somalia’s federal government strongly rejected the appointment. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Israel’s action amounted to a “direct breach” of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mogadishu continues to reject North Western State of Somalia’s claim to independence.

The recognition has also drawn criticism from the U.N. Security Council, the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union, each of which has reiterated support for Somalia’s territorial unity.

Since December, the relationship between Israel and North Western State of Somalia has moved quickly. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar traveled to Hargeisa in January, and North Western State of Somalia later sent a water ministry delegation to Israel for training in water management.

Israel has also approved Mohamed Hagi, a presidential adviser who is credited with helping secure the recognition, to serve as North Western State of Somalia’s first ambassador to Israel.

In March, North Western State of Somalia minister of the presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi told Bloomberg that Hargeisa would seek a “strategic relationship” with Israel, potentially including security cooperation. He said the possibility of an Israeli military base could be considered in the future.

North Western State of Somalia has maintained its own government, security forces and institutions for more than 30 years, despite lacking international recognition. Israel’s move signals a notable shift in diplomacy, one that could carry implications for regional security and the broader balance of power in the Horn of Africa.