The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), along with several Muslim countries, has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it a serious threat to international peace and security.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday and backed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Egypt, Qatar and others, the countries warned that Israel’s move would have grave repercussions for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, as well as broader implications for global security. The statement described the recognition as a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, reflecting Israel’s disregard for established international principles.
The condemnation followed Israel’s announcement becoming the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. He congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on the decision and invited him to visit Israel, stating the move was made in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
In response, President Abdullahi said Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, describing the decision as a step toward regional and global peace.
However, the joint statement by Muslim countries rejected Israel’s actions, terming them “a grave violation of the principles of international law” and warning that recognition of parts of sovereign states sets a dangerous precedent that threatens international peace and security. The statement reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, unequivocally rejecting any measures that undermine the unity of the country.
The statement also dismissed any attempts to link the recognition to efforts aimed at forcibly displacing the Palestinian people, reiterating firm opposition to such actions in all forms.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali thanked Pakistan for its sustained support on the issue. His remarks followed Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemnation of Israel’s announcement, which warned that the move endangered peace and stability not only in Somalia but across the region.
During a telephonic conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Somali foreign minister sought Pakistan’s assistance in raising the issue at the United Nations Security Council. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Somalia and strongly condemned any actions undermining its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
