Israel deepens Somaliland ties with first ambassador, testing Horn of Africa balance

Last week, Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, welcomed its first ambassador from Israel. Diplomat Michael Lotem presented his credentials in Hargeisa, while officials laid the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy. The ceremony, announced by Israel’s foreign ministry on Sunday, formalised a relationship that began with mutual recognition in December. Somalia, the African Union, Arab states and China strongly oppose the move, reaffirming Somaliland as...