Somaliland’s opposition KULMIYE Party has strongly defended Israel’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland, declaring that the decision is not open to negotiation and reaffirming the party’s support for Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition.
KULMIYE Secretary-General Faisal Abdirahman Madar, speaking at a press conference in Hargeisa, said his party supports the recognition granted by Israel and would welcome recognition from any other country.
Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on December 26, 2025, becoming the first UN member state to do so. The two sides signed a joint declaration establishing diplomatic relations.
Madar said KULMIYE considers the question of Somaliland’s statehood to be a decision made by its people and argued that it cannot be reversed.
“The KULMIYE Party once again makes clear that the recognition Somaliland received from Israel is not subject to negotiation, and we support it. The decision concerning Somaliland’s existence is irreversible, and no one can change it,” Madar said.
He also called on the Federal Government of Somalia to recognise Somaliland, saying there was still an opportunity for Mogadishu to take such a step.
“We call on the Government of Somalia to recognise the Republic of Somaliland while it still has the opportunity,” he said, while also urging neighbouring countries to support and recognise Somaliland.
Madar’s comments underscore KULMIYE’s position that Israel’s recognition represents a development that should be maintained, while the party continues to call for wider international recognition of Somaliland.