HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) — KAAH Political Party on Tuesday intensified criticism of the Somaliland government, accusing President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of pursuing secret foreign policy agreements without national consultation while warning that any move to establish diplomatic representation in Jerusalem would violate Somaliland’s constitution.
The remarks were made during a press conference in Hargeisa by Ambassador Barkhad Mohamed Kariye, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the opposition KAAH Party, who said the government’s recent foreign policy decisions risk undermining Somaliland’s long-standing diplomatic credibility and constitutional order.
KAAH Reaffirms Support for Somaliland Recognition
Ambassador Barkhad said KAAH remains fully committed to Somaliland’s decades-long campaign for international recognition and supports diplomatic engagement with countries willing to strengthen relations with Somaliland.
He specifically stated that the opposition party supports relations with Israel and would welcome formal recognition from Israel should such a decision be made.
“We welcome every form of recognition and diplomatic progress that advances the cause of the Republic of Somaliland. Our party stands firmly behind strengthening Somaliland’s international standing,” Barkhad said.
He added that Israel remains one of the countries Somaliland can build diplomatic and strategic partnerships with as part of expanding international relations.
“If Israel recognizes Somaliland, we would warmly welcome and reciprocate that recognition. We have always supported building relations with new international partners.”
Opposition Warns Against Secret Executive Agreements
Despite supporting diplomatic outreach, the KAAH official accused the current administration of bypassing national institutions and handling major foreign policy decisions behind closed doors.
According to Barkhad, Somaliland’s political tradition requires consultation with opposition parties and national institutions whenever strategic international agreements are negotiated.
“Our party will never accept any attempt to combine the issue of Somaliland recognition with secret executive agendas that bypass the public interest of Somaliland.”
He further claimed that repeated requests for consultation with the presidency had been ignored while government officials continue conducting high-level foreign trips independently.
“The President has repeatedly claimed no finalized agreements exist, but at the same time foreign commitments are being made entirely without national consultation.”
KAAH Rejects Possible Jerusalem Embassy Proposal
A central part of the press conference focused on reports surrounding a possible diplomatic office or embassy in Jerusalem.
Ambassador Barkhad declared that any attempt by the Somaliland government to establish diplomatic representation in Jerusalem would directly violate constitutional provisions governing Somaliland’s foreign policy.
“The prospect of opening a diplomatic office or embassy in Jerusalem is a direct violation of the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland.”
He specifically referenced Article 10 of Somaliland’s Constitution, arguing that unilateral changes in foreign policy must comply with both constitutional law and international legal frameworks.
“You cannot expect to gain international legitimacy while simultaneously overriding international law and United Nations resolutions.”
Warning Over Somaliland’s International Reputation
The opposition party warned that secretive foreign policy decisions could damage Somaliland’s carefully built international reputation developed over more than three decades.
Barkhad said Somaliland’s diplomatic credibility was built through democratic governance, peace, institutional stability and constitutional order — achievements he argued are now being placed at risk.
“For 35 years Somaliland has maintained peace, democracy, law and order. This hard-earned reputation is what the current administration is now putting at risk.”
Ambassador Barkhad stressed that patriotism should never be used as justification for secrecy in critical national affairs.
“Loving one’s country cannot be used as an excuse to handle strategic national matters in total secrecy behind closed doors.”
Opposition Demands Full Transparency from President Irro
In his closing remarks, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the opposition KAAH Party, Ambassador Barkhad demanded President Irro publicly disclose all agreements signed during recent foreign engagements and submit them to Somaliland’s parliament and political stakeholders for review.
“We tell the President: bring your hidden agreements out into the open because the future of this nation is a shared responsibility, not a private enterprise.”
The press conference comes amid growing political debate in Somaliland over recent foreign policy decisions, reports of diplomatic engagement with Israel, and concerns from opposition parties regarding transparency in the government’s international dealings.
Prepared By
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
