Somaliland president lays wreath at tomb of Zionism’s founder during Israel visit

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi Irro has paid tribute at two of Israel’s most significant historical sites on the opening day of his first state visit to the territory, as the two sides mark a deepening diplomatic relationship that has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia and many Muslim nations. Tributes at Mount Herzl and Yad Vashem
Irro laid a wreath at the tomb of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, on Mount Herzl on Sunday, before visiting Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, his office said in a statement on Facebook. The Somaliland leader also visited the Grove of Nations, where he planted a tree described by his office as a symbol of friendship, cooperation and lasting relations between Somaliland and Israel.

“Somaliland has been talking, has been reaching out to world leaders for the last 35 years. “We are deeply appreciative that the State of Israel has chosen to receive us with such an honour on this historic occasion. Somalia has also condemned the move, regarding Somaliland as part of its own territory.

He warned of a looming threat to the country as a result of the move, saying its early signs were already visible. At Yad Vashem, officials briefed Irro on accounts of the Holocaust, walking him through the history of the atrocity and the events that shaped it. By doing so, Israel has taken part in a moment that will be remembered in the diplomatic history of our nation, and we do not take that gesture lightly,” he said.

They were asking only one question: to see us. Herzog described the visit as a symbol of the “great potential of this wonderful new partnership,” pointing to shared challenges around “radical extremism” and the need for “security and stability in the region and in the Horn of Africa.” He characterised Somaliland’s separate administration from the rest of Somalia as “a reality on the ground for several decades” – a description that aligns with Israel’s formal recognition of the territory in December 2025. The tree, the statement said, represents a living and sustaining bond that will outlast the visit itself, marking a historic friendship that strengthens ties between the two sides.

Herzog, speaking at the same press conference, dwelt at length on the relationship between the two nations. Regional fallout over recognition and embassy plans
The visit comes just days after Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud strongly criticised Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it not as recognition but as a “trap” designed by Israel to pursue its own security interests against Iran-aligned Houthi forces and draw Somalia into a war that is not its own. Irro is also scheduled to open an embassy that Somaliland has established in Jerusalem, making it the second Muslim-majority territory to do so – a move that has drawn condemnation from 19 Muslim-majority countries.

Irro and Herzog hold joint press conference in Jerusalem
Irro touched down in Jerusalem for his first state visit to Israel, where he held a joint press conference with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Today, we are equally delighted to have the flags of Somaliland flying here at the President’s Residence and all throughout Jerusalem,” he said. “The beautiful images of the people of Somaliland waving Israeli flags in celebration of this new relationship warmed all of our hearts, Mr President.

Only one country desired to see us and recognise Somaliland, and that’s the government of Israel and its people,” Irro added. Contact us: [email protected]