MRP supports independence of Somaliland …as it urges South Africa to withdraw case against Israel

The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has formally declared its support for the independence of Somaliland, while reiterating its own push for the revival and restoration of the Mthwakazi state, which encompasses the Matabeleland provinces and parts of the Midlands.

Somaliland is a self‑declared state in the Horn of Africa, located in the north‑western region of Somalia. It borders Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east. The territory covers about 137,600 square kilometres and has an 850‑kilometre coastline along the Gulf of Aden. Its capital and largest city is Hargeisa.

In a statement, MRP leader Mqondisi Moyo said the party "formally and unequivocally affirms its full support for the independence and international recognition of the Republic of Somaliland". He said Somaliland's record of peaceful self‑governance, constitutional order, territorial administration and popular legitimacy "meets and exceeds every serious standard of statehood recognised in international law".

Moyo said Israel's recent decision to recognise Somaliland was not symbolic, but "an act of strategic foresight, moral clarity, and institutional responsibility".

"On behalf of the people of the Matabele nation, I extend sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the State of Israel for this courageous and constructive decision. Israel's recognition strengthens stability in the Horn of Africa and establishes a necessary precedent: legitimacy flows from governance, consent, and responsibility - not from bureaucratic inertia or political convenience," he said.

Moyo argued that Zionism had been "a net blessing to the African continent" through agricultural innovation, water technology, medical science, security cooperation and democratic institutional development. He said African governments acting with "objectivity, ethics, and historical awareness" would be strengthening cooperation with Israel rather than undermining it.

Accordingly, he said the MRP supports the full integration of Israel as a member state of the African Union, describing Israel as a partner in development, security, innovation and democratic governance.

Moyo criticised the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the Gaza war, calling it "reckless, vindictive, and destructive to African credibility". He said the action weaponised international law for domestic political theatre while weakening the legal norms African nations rely on for protection and recognition.

"South Africa should withdraw this action immediately and return to constructive diplomacy," he said.

Moyo said the MRP stands firmly with Israel "in matters of policy, security, diplomacy, and legitimacy", affirming Israel's right to defend its people, borders and democratic institutions. He rejected what he described as narratives that equate terrorist governance with sovereign legitimacy.

He said Somaliland and Israel together demonstrate the type of governance Africa needs: leadership rooted in consent, institutions that uplift and empower, and economies that create opportunity rather than extract wealth for elites.

"Africa does not need more slogans. It needs partners who build. It needs leaders who govern. It needs alliances that secure the future," Moyo said.

"Somaliland represents Africa's future. Israel remains Africa's indispensable partner."