ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has joined 20 other countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in strongly rejecting Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, calling the move a blatant violation of international law and a threat to regional and global peace.
In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of 21 countries along with the OIC, the signatories said Israel’s decision reflects its “full and blatant disregard for international law” and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
The statement also categorically rejected any “potential link” between Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and alleged attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people from their land, terming such notions unacceptable in any form.
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye and Yemen, along with the OIC.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi announced that the region would also join the Abraham Accords. Somaliland has operated with de facto autonomy since 1991, following Somalia’s descent into civil war, but has not been recognised by any other state.
The signatories warned that Israel’s move could have serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, while also posing risks to international peace and stability.
They condemned the recognition in the strongest terms, stating that it constitutes a grave violation of international law, undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sets a dangerous precedent by legitimising the recognition of breakaway regions.
“The recognition of parts of states threatens international peace and security and violates the cardinal principles of international law and the United Nations Charter,” the statement said, reaffirming full support for the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office separately condemned Israel’s move, calling it an attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Islamabad urged the international community to reject such actions and prevent Israel from destabilising the region.
Somalia has described Israel’s decision as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, while the African Union warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for stability across Africa.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned that Israel had previously discussed Somaliland as a possible destination for the forced displacement of Palestinians, particularly from Gaza, cautioning against any international complicity in such plans.
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the move as consistent with the “spirit of the Abraham Accords,” the United States has indicated it will not follow suit. Responding to a media query, US President Donald Trump said Washington had no plans to recognise Somaliland.
