Friday 9 Jun 2026 {HMC} More than 20 countries have jointly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the recent visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to the region, calling the move a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and urging Israel to immediately revoke its decision.
In a joint statement issued early Friday, the countries rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity and warned that encouraging secessionist agendas risks further destabilizing an already fragile region.
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The statement was endorsed by Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan and Türkiye. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which represents most Muslim-majority nations, also backed the statement.
The signatories specifically condemned Saar’s visit to Somaliland earlier this week, which came days after Israel became the only country to formally recognize the self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia.
“Encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and risks exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region,” the statement said, while praising Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement and adherence to international law.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community. Somalia’s federal government considers the region an integral part of its internationally recognized territory and has described Israel’s recognition as a breach of international law.
During his visit, Saar said Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make an official visit to Israel, a move that further heightened diplomatic tensions.
Somaliland authorities have denied that Israel’s recognition would allow the establishment of Israeli military bases on its territory or facilitate the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. Israeli officials have publicly advocated what they describe as voluntary Palestinian migration from Gaza, a proposal that has drawn strong opposition from Arab states and international organizations.
The joint condemnation adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel following its recognition of Somaliland, with the African Union, Arab League and United Nations all reaffirming support for Somalia’s unity and internationally recognized borders.
Somali officials say the breadth of opposition underscores international consensus on the issue and strengthens Mogadishu’s position as it seeks to block any steps that could legitimize Somaliland’s secession or redraw borders in the Horn of Africa.
Source Hiiraan Online
