Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first official visit by an Israeli representative since the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two entities in late December. The visit follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement on December 26 that Israel would recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state.

Netanyahu stated that the recognition aligns with the principles of the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-led initiative that encouraged several Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for diplomatic and financial incentives from the United States. The move has been met with mixed reactions internationally, particularly within the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic since 1991 following the collapse of Somalia's central government, has sought international recognition for decades. Despite having its own government, currency, and security forces, it has largely remained unrecognized by the international community. The lack of recognition has hindered Somaliland's access to international aid and investment, despite its relative stability compared to Somalia.

Somalia's government in Mogadishu has strongly condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The African Union has traditionally respected the borders of its member states, making the issue of Somaliland's recognition a sensitive one.

Analysts suggest that Israel's recognition of Somaliland could be motivated by strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, including access to the Red Sea and the potential for security cooperation. The region is of increasing geopolitical importance, with various countries vying for influence.

The establishment of diplomatic ties between Israel and Somaliland could have wider implications for the region, potentially influencing other countries' stances on Somaliland's quest for recognition. It remains to be seen how this development will affect the ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia and address the complex political landscape of the Horn of Africa.