HARGEISA (SD)— Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” says his government hopes to establish security cooperation with Israel before the end of 2026, signaling a possible expansion of the relationship between the two sides following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

In remarks reported by JNS after his recent visit to Washington, President Irro said Somaliland is interested in cooperation with Israel in several areas, including security and counterterrorism. He indicated that discussions could lead to practical security cooperation before the end of the year, although the precise scope and structure of such cooperation have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandeb maritime chokepoint has increased its importance in regional security discussions. The area remains critical to international shipping and has faced heightened security concerns linked to attacks on commercial vessels and instability in Yemen. Hargeisa has increasingly presented itself to Western and regional partners as a potential contributor to maritime security and counterterrorism efforts.

The proposed security relationship follows a broader expansion of Somaliland-Israel ties. Israel recognized Somaliland in December 2025, and President Irro subsequently made an official visit to Israel. The two sides have also discussed cooperation in areas including water management, development and technical training. Somaliland officials view the relationship as an opportunity to translate diplomatic engagement into practical economic, technological and security partnerships.

For Somaliland, security cooperation with Israel could strengthen its strategic position and provide access to expertise and technology in areas such as counterterrorism, maritime surveillance and coastal security. It could also reinforce Hargeisa’s argument that Somaliland is a stable and strategically located partner capable of contributing to security in the Gulf of Aden and wider Red Sea region.

However, the development is likely to face opposition from Somalia, which rejects Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty and considers the territory part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Any significant Israeli security role in Somaliland could therefore become part of the wider regional debate over Somaliland’s status and the competing security interests surrounding the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

For President Irro’s administration, the challenge will be to demonstrate that the proposed cooperation produces tangible security and development benefits while managing the diplomatic consequences of closer ties with Israel. If implemented, the partnership could become one of the most significant components of Somaliland’s expanding international engagement and its broader effort to secure recognition and establish itself as a strategic security partner in the region.