111: How Somaliland and Israel became fast friends, with Amb. Mohamed Hagi

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Apr 29, 2026

Mohamed Hagi, Somaliland diplomat who served as the first envoy to Taiwan and Israel, discusses Somaliland’s surprising rise. Short, vivid conversations cover how Somaliland built peace and democracy, why it still lacks wide recognition, practical Israeli cooperation on water and tech, and the strategic role of Berbera port amid regional security challenges.

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INSIGHT

Homegrown Democracy Sustained Since 1991

Somaliland built functioning democratic institutions and sustained peace for 35 years after restoring sovereignty in 1991.
Its political stability combines modern governance with customary conflict-resolution, producing repeated peaceful transfers of power.

INSIGHT

Peace Built Locally Through Demobilization

Somaliland's stability rests on a social contract formed after brutal war, achieved via local demobilization and reintegration without external help.
The result: a domestically funded peacebuilding and a democracy that evolved from local realities, not imposition.

ADVICE

Match Resources With Israeli Know How

Pursue partnerships that pair Somaliland's natural resources with Israeli technology in water, agriculture, and security.
Leverage Israel's know-how and Somaliland's rare earths, oil, long coast, and access to regional markets for mutual economic growth.

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In a world where recognition is said to be a precondition for legitimacy, Somaliland built one of Africa's most surprising success stories without stopping to ask for the world's charity or permission.

In this episode, Haviv sits down with Ambassador Mohamed Hagi, Somaliland’s first envoy to Israel and a key architect of Israel's recognition of his country, to explore one of the most unlikely and revealing relationships in global politics. We talk about a country that built a democracy out of the ruins of a terrible war, built stable and competent institutions without international support, and is now stepping onto the world stage on its own terms.

What does it mean when a deeply Muslim society embraces partnership with Israel? Why does Somaliland succeed where formally recognized states fail? And how does a small country navigate geopolitics, identity and survival in one of the most strategically fraught and vital corners of the world?

Thank you to the anonymous sponsor who asked to dedicate this episode to the victims of October 7.

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Musical intro by Adam Ben Amitai.