Somaliland’s Defence Minister, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, has dismissed reports suggesting that Israel is establishing a military base in the breakaway territory, clarifying that while cooperation exists, no foreign military presence has been set up.
Speaking during a visit to Israel this week, Yusuf Ali said Israel is currently assisting in the training of Somaliland’s police and military forces, but denied claims of negotiations for a permanent Israeli base in the territory.
“There is no Israeli military presence or military bases in Somaliland,” he said. “But Israel is helping Somaliland… they are supporting to train some of our police and military.”
The remarks come amid growing international attention following Israel’s decision in December to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first country to do so.
A high-level Somaliland delegation, led by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, is currently in Israel for discussions aimed at strengthening diplomatic, security and economic relations between both sides.
Strategically located in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland has operated as a self-governing territory since 1991, when it broke away from Somalia as the country descended into civil war. However, Somalia continues to reject Somaliland’s independence and has condemned Israel’s recognition as a violation of its sovereignty.
Reports had earlier suggested that Israel was exploring the possibility of establishing an intelligence or military facility in Somaliland, claims that have been firmly denied by officials in Hargeisa.
Israeli Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, declined to comment on the matter, while Israeli authorities maintain that their engagement with Somaliland is not intended as a hostile act toward Somalia.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said discussions with Somaliland are focused on expanding security and economic cooperation.
“For many years we cooperated under the radar in a series of operations that will remain secret,” Katz said after meeting President Abdullahi.
The partnership has sparked wider regional speculation, particularly due to Somaliland’s strategic position near the Red Sea and shipping routes frequently targeted by Yemen’s Houthi movement during the Gaza conflict. Analysts say such geography has increased Somaliland’s geopolitical value.
President Abdullahi has, however, stated that while Somaliland is open to future military cooperation with Israel, no agreement regarding the establishment of bases has been discussed.
At a business forum organised by Israel’s Foreign Ministry in Tel Aviv, Abdullahi described Israel as a “valued and reliable friend” and called for expanded economic engagement.
“Somaliland is open for business, and Somaliland is ready for Israeli investment,” he said, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, livestock, renewable energy, water management, healthcare and cybersecurity.
Somaliland officials say they are particularly interested in Israeli expertise in agricultural technology and infrastructure development as part of broader efforts to modernise the economy.
Eden Bar-Tal, Director-General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland presents “a significant and unique advantage” for economic cooperation and private sector investment.
While the partnership continues to deepen, regional tensions remain high, with Somalia strongly opposing Somaliland’s diplomatic advances and warning against actions it considers an infringement on its territorial integrity.
As discussions progress, both sides appear focused on expanding cooperation in security training and economic development, while publicly distancing themselves from claims of any immediate plans for foreign military bases.
