By Asma Mohamud - Reporter
Hargeisa — Somaliland's KAAH Party has opposed the opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, saying the move goes against the principles of Somaliland’s foreign policy and violates Article 10 of the country's Constitution.
“The embassy opened in Jerusalem is an issue that contradicts the very basis on which the President holds national authority. He holds office under the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland. Article 10, paragraphs 2 and 3, are against the action the President has taken,” said Birched Kaariye, KAAH Party’s Foreign Affairs Secretary.
The party said the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem is a sensitive matter involving religious, diplomatic, and legal questions, as the city of Jerusalem has long been at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. KAAH argued that the government’s decision needs to be weighed against the Constitution, national interests, and the broader position of the Islamic world.
Article 10 of the Somaliland Constitution, which deals with foreign relations, states that Somaliland recognizes and abides by the United Nations Charter and international law. The article also emphasizes that political disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and dialogue, and that Somaliland is part of the Arab nation, the peoples of Africa, and the Islamic world.
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The Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem is said to serve as a diplomatic office supporting relations between Somaliland and Israel, including consular affairs, trade, investment, and official engagement between the two sides. Supporters of the move view it as an opportunity for Somaliland to expand its international recognition efforts and global partnerships.
However, opposition figures and some political analysts believe the decision carries diplomatic risks, especially in light of the position held by Islamic and Arab countries regarding Jerusalem.
The debate over the Jerusalem embassy has now become centred on two major issues: on one hand, Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition and global relations; and on the other, the question of how diplomatic decisions should be aligned with the Constitution, international law, and Somaliland’s relationship with the Islamic world.
The KAAH Party called on the government to review the decision and take into account Article 10 of the Constitution, the sentiments of the Muslim community, and the impact the issue could have on Somaliland’s foreign policy.