Somalia: Somaliland Opposition Parties Reject Somalia PM's Remarks On Israel Recognition

What the report says

Somaliland’s opposition parties Kaah and KULMIYE have pushed back against comments by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who said Somaliland’s religious leaders, traditional elders and political parties opposed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The remarks, as reported by Horn Diplomat and distributed by AllAfrica, were made in an interview with Dawan TV. The dispute centers on how to interpret political debate inside Somaliland and what it means for the territory’s long-running claim to statehood.

Kaah leader Abdikarim Mohamed said Barre had confused internal political discussion with disagreement over Somaliland’s statehood. In a statement, he said Somaliland’s people, scholars, elders and parties share a common position based on self-determination. KULMIYE Secretary-General Faisal Abdirahman Madar made a similar case at a news conference in Hargeisa, saying his party supports the recognition Somaliland has received from Israel and would welcome recognition from other countries.

According to the report, KULMIYE called Somaliland’s recognition from Israel non-negotiable and urged Somalia’s government to recognize Somaliland as well. The article also notes that Israel formally recognized Somaliland on December 26, 2025, and that Somaliland has governed itself since 1991. The exchange highlights the continuing diplomatic contest over Somaliland’s status and the political significance of outside recognition for both Somaliland and Somalia.