Ndebele leaders see Somaliland as our Future

The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has issued a formal statement backing the independence and international recognition of Somaliland. The party argues that Somaliland meets the core tests of statehood under international law. This being peaceful self-governance, constitutional order, effective territorial control, and popular legitimacy. From this perspective, Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland is described not as symbolic, but as a calculated move grounded in governance realities rather than diplomatic convention.

The statement frames Israel’s recognition as a stabilising step for the Horn of Africa and a challenge to what it calls “bureaucratic inertia” in international diplomacy. Legitimacy, the MRP contends, should arise from consent and competent administration, not from historical convenience or regional politics. On this basis, the party thanks Israel for what it views as a principled and forward-looking decision.

More broadly, the MRP argues that Israel has been a net positive for Africa since its founding. It points to Israeli contributions in agriculture, water management, medicine, security cooperation, and democratic institution-building. In the party’s view, African governments should be deepening ties with Israel rather than distancing themselves, as these practical partnerships address real developmental and security needs.

Taking this argument further, the MRP calls for Israel to be admitted as a full member of the African Union. It describes Israel as a credible partner in development, innovation, and governance, and suggests that Africa’s long-term prospects depend on alliances with states that protect institutions and invest in human capital. Israel, the statement claims, fits this profile.

The party is sharply critical of South Africa’s ANC-led government for its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. It characterises the action as politically motivated and damaging to Africa’s legal credibility, arguing that it weakens international norms rather than strengthening them. The MRP urges South Africa to withdraw the case and return to what it calls constructive diplomacy.

In closing, the statement links Somaliland and Israel as models for Africa’s future. Governance rooted in popular consent, institutions that empower citizens, and economies that create opportunity rather than extract rents. Africa, it concludes, needs fewer slogans and more functional partnerships. In this framing, Somaliland represents a possible future, while Israel is presented as an indispensable partner in building it.

“Somaliland represents Africa’s future.”

In response to this statement, Hillel Newman, senior policy advisor to the Knesset and Director General of the Israeli State Department, stated on X: “Amazing letter of support from an additional African party.”