Jerusalem, 26 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israeli government unanimously approved the appointment of veteran diplomat Michael Lotem as ambassador to Somaliland on Sunday, the first foreign envoy to the African Horn country.
The appointment comes after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Somaliland in December 2025, and Foreign Minister Saar’s Visit to the self-declared state in January 2026. It also follows Somaliland’s decision in February to appoint Dr. Mohamed Hagai as its first ambassador to Israel, marking the opening of reciprocal diplomatic representation between the two sides.
Lotem currently serves as the Economic Mobile Ambassador to the African continent. He previously held ambassadorial posts in Kenya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. In the initial phase, Lotem will serve as a non-resident ambassador.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Somaliland in January.
Somaliland broke away from Somalia and declared its independence in 1991. Israel is the first country to recognize Somaliland.
Situated in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland’s northern coast lies directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where the Houthis control territory. Israel is reportedly interested in establishing a base in Somaliland to counter Houthi and Iranian threats to Red Sea shipping.
Somaliland has already appointed Mohamed Hagi as its ambassador to Israel.
Separately, Yahel Vilan, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya and Serbia, has been appointed ambassador to Singapore and East Timor.