Muhammad Marshall Says Diplomatic Ties Could Expand Cooperation and Influence Horn of Africa Politics
ADDIS ABABA (HornPost) — Somaliland’s diplomatic relations with Israel are entering a new phase following the exchange of ambassadorial appointments, according to Muhammad Marshall, a geopolitical analyst and former Somaliland deputy ambassador to Ethiopia.
Speaking to i24NEWS from Addis Ababa, Marshall described the diplomatic developments as an important step beyond formal recognition. He said the relationship could lead to wider cooperation in trade, technology, security and development.
Israel recognized Somaliland on December 26, 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to formally recognize its independence. The decision opened a new chapter in Somaliland’s efforts to build international diplomatic relations.
Since then, both sides have taken steps to establish formal diplomatic representation.
First Somaliland Ambassador Presents Credentials in Israel
A major milestone came on May 18, 2026, when Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, presented his diplomatic credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem.
The ceremony marked the formal start of Somaliland’s ambassadorial representation in Israel.
Herzog welcomed the appointment and described the relationship as an opportunity to develop cooperation in several areas. He specifically mentioned food security, energy and science.
Hagi also described the relationship as strategic. He said both sides could expand cooperation in development, politics, security and people-to-people relations.
Furthermore, Israel appointed veteran diplomat Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland. The two sides have therefore moved towards establishing reciprocal diplomatic representation.
Marshall Highlights Potential Areas of Cooperation
Marshall said the relationship could deliver practical benefits beyond diplomatic recognition.
He identified agriculture, water technology, cybersecurity, healthcare and defence as possible areas of cooperation.
These sectors are important to Somaliland’s development priorities. Water management, in particular, remains a major challenge because of recurring droughts and pressure on limited resources.
Meanwhile, cooperation in agriculture and healthcare could create opportunities for technical support, investment and knowledge exchange.
However, these areas remain potential fields of partnership. Their development will depend on future agreements, investment decisions and the implementation of joint projects.
Marshall argued that the relationship could also strengthen Somaliland’s international engagement.
He described the recognition and exchange of ambassadors as developments that could encourage other countries to reconsider their diplomatic approach towards Somaliland.
US Recognition Remains a Major Diplomatic Goal
Marshall also discussed the possibility of the United States recognizing Somaliland under President Donald Trump.
He described the prospect as realistic and timely, although Washington has not announced a decision to recognize Somaliland.
Marshall referred to Somaliland’s reported offers of access to critical minerals, including lithium and cobalt, as well as strategic military facilities.
He argued that such proposals could attract American interest because of Washington’s focus on strategic resources, security partnerships and competition with China.
According to Marshall, recognition by the United States could open opportunities for investment, defense cooperation and expanded trade relations.
However, these remain his assessments. No US recognition decision has been announced, and the potential economic and security benefits would depend on formal agreements and government policy.
For Somaliland, diplomatic engagement with Washington remains an important part of its broader international recognition campaign.
Israel’s President Visits Ethiopia
Marshall also commented on Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Ethiopia in February 2026.
Herzog visited Addis Ababa on February 25–26, where he met Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior officials.
The discussions focused on strengthening relations between Israel and Ethiopia. They also covered cooperation in technology, agriculture, healthcare and security.
Marshall described the visit as strategically important for Israel’s wider engagement with Africa.
He said the Horn of Africa was experiencing significant geopolitical changes. In his view, Israel’s closer engagement with Ethiopia and Somaliland reflects growing strategic interest in the region.
The visit also highlighted Ethiopia’s importance in regional diplomacy. The country hosts the African Union headquarters and plays a central role in political and security discussions across the Horn of Africa.
Horn of Africa’s Changing Diplomatic Landscape
The developments involving Somaliland, Israel and Ethiopia come as regional governments seek stronger partnerships in trade, security and maritime affairs.
Somaliland occupies a strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s important maritime routes.
Its location has increased international interest in regional ports, shipping security and access to trade corridors.
At the same time, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has drawn strong opposition from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory.
The disagreement has also attracted attention from regional and international organizations. These developments highlight the diplomatic challenges surrounding Somaliland’s status and the wider question of sovereignty in the Horn of Africa.
Marshall believes the emerging relationship with Israel could create new opportunities for Somaliland. However, the long-term impact will depend on whether diplomatic agreements lead to practical cooperation and broader international engagement.
For now, the exchange of ambassadors marks a significant development in Somaliland–Israel relations and adds a new dimension to the changing diplomatic landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Source: i24NEWS interview with Muhammad Marshall; official statements from the Israeli President’s Office and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prepared by: HornPost Staff Reporter
Hargeisa, Somaliland
