Somaliland opened an embassy in West Jerusalem earlier in June [HAZEM BADER / AFP via Getty Images]
The breakaway state of Somaliland’s opposition party has criticised the opening of a diplomatic office in Jerusalem, stating the move violates the constitution and could undermine foreign relations.
In mid-June, the President of the self-declared breakaway region, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, arrived in Israel for a state visit, opening an embassy in West Jerusalem during a ceremony alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Barkhad Mahmoud Kariye, the opposition Kaah Party’s secretary for Foreign Affairs, said in a press conference on Monday that the opening of an office in Jerusalem violates Article 10 of Somaliland’s constitution, which commits to adherence to international law and affiliation with the Arab and Islamic states.
Kariye added that the opening of a diplomatic office in Jerusalem could have negative repercussions for Somaliland’s diplomatic standing and have religious and legal repercussions.
He further called for the government to reconsider the decision in line with the constitution and take into account the diplomatic positions of Arab and Islamic countries on the issue, who strongly oppose the move.
In his statement, he said his objection was not against establishing relations with Israel, but rather with opening a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
Kariye further said that international agreements and decisions of national importance should involve all political parties.
The breakaway state of Somaliland initially seceded from Somalia in 1991, with Israel becoming the first country to recognise its independence in December 2025, receiving a sharp rebuke from Somalia.
Since the recognition, officials have travelled to each state to shore up relations, with Israel appointing a non-resident ambassador to the country in April.
Following the recognition, reports have emerged of deepening military ties between the two, with the establishment of an Israeli military presence in Somaliland being considered.
Yemen’s Houthis, who govern much of Yemen across the Bab al-Mandab Strait separating the Arabian Peninsula from East Africa, have threatened to target any Israeli military activity in Somaliland in response to the deepening of ties.
Israel and the Houthis have engaged in conflict with each other following the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023.
