Somaliland President Leaves Door Open to Possible Future Israeli Military Presence
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has suggested that a future Israeli military presence in Somaliland cannot be ruled out, during an interview on his historic visit to Israel. Officials, however, confirm that no Israeli military base currently exists, but training support for police and security forces.
JERUSALEM (Somali Report) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who is on the fourth day of a landmark official visit to Israel, has for the first time publicly addressed the possibility of an Israeli military presence in Somaliland, saying such a development cannot be ruled out in the future.
In an interview with Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS, President Abdullahi was asked directly whether Israel could establish a military base in Somaliland. He responded cautiously, saying: “Not now,” while adding that he could not rule out the possibility of a future Israeli military base in Somaliland, though he declined to provide further details. He also announced that direct flights between Israel and Hargeisa are expected to begin “very soon.”
When asked whether Somaliland could play a role in countering Houthi threats in the Red Sea, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said Somaliland is not an enemy to any country but has the right to defend itself. He added that the country is seeking international support to strengthen and upgrade its coastal guard capabilities.
His remarks come amid growing international attention on expanding security and diplomatic ties between Somaliland and Israel following Israel’s decision in December 2025 to become the first country to formally recognize the self-declared state.
Despite speculation in regional and international media about a potential Israeli military foothold in Somaliland, officials from both sides have repeatedly emphasized that no such base currently exists.
Somaliland’s Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali, speaking during the same visit, firmly rejected claims of an Israeli military presence. He said reports suggesting the existence of Israeli bases in Somaliland were “rumours,” stressing that no formal military installations had been established.
“There is no Israeli military presence or military bases in Somaliland,” the minister said. However, he confirmed that cooperation between the two sides includes training support. “Israel is helping Somaliland… they are supporting to train some of our police and military,” he added.
The visit by President Abdullahi and a high-level delegation marks a significant moment in Somaliland–Israel relations, coming just months after diplomatic recognition was announced. The delegation has participated in a series of meetings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv focused on security cooperation, economic development, and investment opportunities.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has previously indicated interest in deepening ties with Somaliland, describing the relationship as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation. Israeli officials have also highlighted shared security concerns in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
During meetings with Somaliland officials, Katz said both sides had quietly cooperated in the past on unspecified matters, noting that such collaboration would now become more open following formal diplomatic recognition.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, occupies a strategically important position along the Gulf of Aden near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s most critical maritime shipping routes. Its port city of Berbera has attracted growing international interest due to its location and expanding infrastructure.
The Somali government in Mogadishu has strongly opposed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It has also accused external actors of destabilizing the region by engaging with breakaway territories.
Reports indicate that Israel has established an intelligence presence in Somaliland, according to several officials, including one from the Somaliland government and a senior Somali official speaking to Drop Site. The reports further suggest that discussions about a possible Israeli military base in the territory are ongoing, though no official confirmation has been made by either side.
A CNN investigation, citing four sources familiar with the matter, claims that Israel has maintained covert positions across several regions, including Somaliland, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, as part of broader military and intelligence operations linked to its conflict with Iran. The report also alleges that Somaliland has provided logistical support that could potentially be used for long-range Israeli aircraft operations. However, both Israel and Somaliland including officials involved in the visit have either denied or declined to comment on them.
Speaking at a business forum organized by Israel’s Foreign Ministry in Tel Aviv, Somaliland officials emphasized that their priority is economic cooperation and investment rather than military partnerships. President Abdullahi described Israel as a “valued and reliable friend” and encouraged Israeli investment in agriculture, livestock, water management, renewable energy, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
“Somaliland is open for business,” he said, highlighting the country’s natural resources and strategic maritime location as key advantages for international investors.
While questions remain over the long-term scope of security cooperation between the two sides, both governments appear committed to expanding ties in multiple sectors. Analysts say the evolving relationship reflects broader geopolitical shifts in the Horn of Africa, where strategic competition and international partnerships are increasingly shaping regional dynamics.
For now, Somaliland officials maintain that no military agreements involving foreign bases have been finalized, even as political and security cooperation with Israel continues to develop.
About the Author
Mohamed Farah is a senior editor at Somali Report, based in London, covering geopolitics, trade, business, and security across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.