HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) A senior official from Somaliland’s opposition KAAH Party has publicly declared support for Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition, including efforts involving Israel, while sharply criticizing the government’s controversial decision to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, arguing the move could create serious diplomatic complications.
Speaking during the central committee conference of the ruling Waddani Party, attended by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, KAAH Party spokesperson Dr. Abdalla Fatih outlined his party’s position on the increasingly debated diplomatic relationship between Somaliland and Israel.
The speech comes amid growing political debate following recent discussions surrounding Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with Israel and reports regarding plans to open a Somaliland diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
KAAH Supports Recognition Efforts
Dr. Abdalla Fatih said the opposition party fully supports Somaliland securing international recognition from any country willing to formally recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty, including Israel.
He praised ongoing diplomatic efforts by President Irro’s administration aimed at achieving Somaliland’s decades-long quest for recognition.
“We fully welcome and support Somaliland’s recognition from whichever country it may materialize, without exception,” Dr. Abdalla Fatih said.
The KAAH spokesperson emphasized that Somaliland’s recognition remains a national cause that transcends party politics.
Opposition Rejects Jerusalem Embassy Decision
Despite backing recognition efforts, KAAH drew a clear line regarding the government’s decision to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, saying the move does not serve Somaliland’s strategic interests.
According to Dr. Fatih, opening an embassy in Jerusalem risks placing Somaliland in a sensitive geopolitical dispute that conflicts with international legal frameworks and longstanding global diplomatic consensus.
“Our point of disagreement centers on the government’s decision to open its embassy in Jerusalem. We believe this move is not in Somaliland’s best interest,” he said.
He referenced international legal concerns, citing United Nations Security Council Resolutions 478 and 476, which remain central to international disputes surrounding Jerusalem’s diplomatic status.
Warning Over Diplomatic Isolation
The KAAH spokesperson urged the Somaliland government to pursue recognition efforts cautiously and avoid unilateral foreign policy decisions that could complicate broader diplomatic engagement with the international community.
He warned that decisions perceived as bypassing international consensus may unintentionally close diplomatic opportunities crucial to Somaliland’s recognition campaign.
“Relying on unilateral actions that disregard international frameworks could lead to the closing of diplomatic doors that are vital to our cause,” he stated.
The opposition official stressed that Somaliland should prioritize broad diplomatic engagement rather than actions that could isolate the country internationally.
Concerns Over Political Polarization
In a strongly worded section of his speech, Dr. Abdalla Fatih warned against what he described as the emergence of politically divisive tactics similar to historical McCarthyism, referring to the controversial anti-communist political campaigns led by former U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s.
He cautioned political leaders against making unsubstantiated accusations or using fear-based rhetoric in public debate.
“Political smear tactics and unsubstantiated accusations create division and undermine democratic progress,” he said.
Dr. Fatih argued that Somaliland’s democratic reputation has been one of its strongest assets internationally and should not be damaged by internal political conflict.
Call for National Unity and Democratic Maturity
Concluding his remarks, the KAAH spokesperson called on political leaders across Somaliland to embrace democratic competition while preserving national unity and political maturity.
He also accused state institutions, including national media outlets, of being misused for partisan political purposes and urged authorities to ensure public institutions remain neutral.
“As national leaders, it is our duty to foster national cohesion and ensure Somaliland continues moving forward together,” he concluded.
The remarks highlight growing divisions within Somaliland’s political landscape as debate intensifies over the government’s evolving foreign policy strategy and its controversial diplomatic engagement with Israel.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
