Muhummad Mohamad Ismail, 45, opens a makeshift gate of branches as he carries jerrycans of water from his reservoir to irrigate his orange and papaya orchard at his farm in Lallays village, in the grip of a severe drought near Hargeisa, on February 17, 2026. Locals say no rain has fallen on Lallays since last June or July, even though this is traditionally the wettest part of Somaliland. In December, the Israeli government became the first country to recognise the independence of Somaliland since it declared its autonomy from Somalia in 1991. Somalia's federal government is livid, calling it "the greatest violation of Somalia's sovereignty" and there are rumours Israel may establish a military base in Somaliland. But for now Israel prefers to focus on civilian cooperation on the economy, agriculture, health, and above all, water. It has invited Somaliland water sector workers for training with Israeli experts due to visit the territory to help implement technology soon. (Photo by Tony KARUMBA / AFP via Getty Images)