President Irro was received on Sunday by President Herzog for discussions focusing on cooperation in trade, investment, security, diplomacy and development, according to officials familiar with the visit.
NAIROBI — Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow has criticised Somaliland’s growing engagement with Israel following President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro’s” state visit to Israel, where he held talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem.
Kerrow questioned the timing and political implications of strengthening ties with Israel amid the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, saying the move raises serious moral and humanitarian concerns.
He argued that Somaliland’s outreach to Israel appears inconsistent with principles of solidarity and humanitarian responsibility, at a time when international concern remains high over civilian casualties and displacement in the Palestinian territories.
“The decision to deepen relations with Israel at this moment is morally questionable given the humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza and the wider region,” Kerrow said in remarks shared on social media.
The visit marks one of the highest-level engagements between Somaliland and Israel in recent years and has drawn attention across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, where relations with Israel remain politically sensitive.
Supporters of the engagement say expanded ties could help Somaliland attract investment, strengthen security cooperation and boost its international profile. Critics, however, warn it could alienate segments of public opinion sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
Neither Somaliland nor Israeli authorities immediately responded to Kerrow’s comments.
Israel has in recent years sought to deepen relations with African partners, while Somaliland continues efforts to expand international cooperation despite lacking formal recognition as an independent state.
