Israel has appointed Michael Lotem as its first-ever ambassador to the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. The appointment was confirmed by Israeli and Somaliland officials in mid-April 2026.
Michael Lotem is a senior Israeli diplomat who previously served as ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and the Seychelles, concluding that posting in August 2025. His new role represents a significant diplomatic step for Israel in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations or most countries. Israel's move to establish an ambassadorial-level relationship is seen as a boost to Somaliland's quest for international recognition, though it falls short of formal state recognition.
The development follows reports of growing bilateral cooperation, including discussions on potential security and economic partnerships. The Somali government in Mogadishu, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, has consistently rejected such external engagements.
