Hornpost
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Is ‘Acknowledgment of Reality,’ says Ex-Foreign Minister Dr Kayd
Former Somaliland Foreign Minister Dr. Essa Kayd Welcomes Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
Hargeisa – (Horn post) The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Essa Kayd, has issued a strong and emotional message to the world following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as a historic validation of Somaliland’s long struggle for sovereignty, peace, and self-determination.
Dr. Kayd, who was appointed Foreign Minister by former President Muse Bihi Abdi in September 2021 and served until December 2024, spoke at a press conference in Hargeisa, not in an official capacity but, as he emphasized, “as a Somalilander, a son of this land.”
“Today I’m not speaking to you as a government official, nor in my former capacity as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland. I speak to you as a Somalilander, a son of this land, dedicated to his people, his country, and his history,” Dr. Kayd said.
Somaliland’s Historical Statehood
Dr. Kayd traced Somaliland’s political identity back centuries, stressing that governance, law, and diplomacy existed long before colonial rule.
“Our nation’s journey did not begin today, nor did it begin 35 years ago. It began long before we gained independence over 66 years ago. Before Somaliland was known as a British Protectorate, we governed ourselves through the rule of law rooted in justice, accountability, and communal responsibility.”
He noted that historians documented Somalilanders as peace-loving people guided by collective will rather than force.
“We entered treaties and negotiated with global powers that considered themselves far more advanced than our modest nomadic society. Yet we met them as equals. When the British arrived, we did not surrender our dignity.”
The Failed Union with Somalia
Referring to the 1960 union with Somalia, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Essa Kayd described it as a rushed political decision driven by Pan-Somali idealism but fundamentally flawed.
“In 1960, driven by optimism and the Pan-Somali dream, we hastily entered a union. But our leaders quickly recognized the truth. Although we share a language and a faith, we do not share values. That difference made the union unworkable from the very beginning.”
He stated unequivocally that the union was never legal and ended in tragedy.
“Let us be clear, that union was never legal. We liberated our people from an oppressive regime that attempted to erase our very existence, while the world watched silently as our cities were bombed.”
Rebuilding Without International Support
Following Somaliland’s reassertion of independence in 1991, Dr. Kayd said the international community again failed to respond, forcing Somalilanders to rebuild alone.
“Our patriotism rebuilt this nation from the rubble — not foreign armies, not UN mandates. It was the nomadic herder who chose peace over revenge, the mother who sent her children to school instead of war, the elders who resolved disputes, and the youth who believed in a country the world said did not exist.”
Israel’s Recognition: A Historic Continuity
Dr. Kayd highlighted Israel’s historical role, recalling that Israel was the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence in June 1960.
“In 1991, when genocide was committed against our people, Israel was the only country that reported it to the United Nations. Now, 35 years later, Israel is once again the first to recognize the reinsertion of our independence.”
He stressed that recognition is not charity but reality.
“Recognition is not a gift. It is an acknowledgment of reality.”
No Return to Failed Negotiations
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Essa Kayd, firmly rejected any future negotiations over Somaliland’s existence.
“We will never negotiate our existence with a state we were never legally part of. Somalia’s sole objective has been to isolate Somaliland rather than accept reality.”
He condemned what he described as violations of Somaliland’s sovereignty and proxy destabilization efforts.
“These are last-ditch efforts to destroy our country. I strongly condemn the violation of our sovereignty. If not restrained, they will repeat the crimes of the past.”
Call to Somalilanders and the International Community
Addressing Somalilanders at home and in the diaspora, Dr. Kayd urged them to act as ambassadors.
“Recognition is not secured only through governments. It is achieved in universities, media houses, parliaments, businesses, and diplomatic corridors. You are not spectators. You are ambassadors of your country.”
He also called on regional partners to honor past commitments.
“You are benefactors of the stability Somaliland has built in the Horn of Africa. Neutrality in moments of truth is a decision. History remembers that decision.”
Final Message
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Essa Kayd concluded with a message of unity, resilience, and confidence.
“Somaliland is not an emerging breakaway. Somaliland was here before any other nation in the heart of Africa and will continue to exist. We are standing unshaken, united, and undeniable for as long as it takes. God bless Somalilanders.”
Pictures:
Some pictures of Dr. Essa Kayd during his leadership of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland:
Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
Latest news
