Somaliland to Open Jerusalem Embassy

Somaliland>>>, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia>>> in 1991, has announced it will open its first-ever embassy in Jerusalem>>>. This follows Israel>>>'s formal recognition of Somaliland>>>'s independence in December, making Israel>>> the first country to do so. In return, Israel>>> is expected to establish an embassy in Somaliland>>>'s capital, Hargeisa. Mohamed Hagi>>>, Somaliland>>>'s ambassador to Israel>>>, confirmed the move, which was welcomed by Israeli>>> Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar>>>. The decision has been condemned by Somalia>>>, the United Nations>>>, African Union>>>, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation>>>, and European Union>>>. The move is significant as most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv due to the disputed status of Jerusalem>>>. The United States>>> moved its embassy to Jerusalem>>> under President Donald Trump>>>'s administration, and other countries like Guatemala>>>, Kosovo>>>, Honduras>>>, Paraguay>>>, Papua New Guinea>>>, and Fiji>>> have followed suit. Israel>>> views this as a step to solidify Jerusalem>>> as its capital and enhance its strategic position in the Horn of Africa, particularly given the region's importance for maritime routes.