Sunday 11, Jan 2026 {HMC} Foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday strongly rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning the move sets a dangerous precedent and threatens regional stability.
The condemnation came during the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ 22nd extraordinary session, held at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah, which was convened to address developments in Somalia following Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Somaliland region as an independent state.
Opening the meeting, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said the session was taking place at a “very delicate and sensitive time,” describing Israel’s decision as a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
“This dangerous precedent undermines the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” Taha said, referring to Israel as an occupying power and stressing that the recognition contradicts international legal principles and United Nations resolutions.
He said the extraordinary ministerial meeting followed an earlier emergency session of the OIC Executive Committee held on Jan.
1, reflecting what he described as deep and shared concern among member states over the situation.
Taha said the discussions underscored the need for a unified and firm Islamic position in support of Somalia, grounded in the OIC Charter and international law.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of two resolutions.
The first addressed developments in Somalia, rejecting any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirming support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and internationally recognized borders. The second focused on Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories.
In his remarks, Taha also addressed the situation in Gaza, calling for Israel to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement and to bring about a comprehensive and permanent end to hostilities.
He urged the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, an end to the displacement of Palestinians, the reopening of all border crossings and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
The secretary-general also reiterated support for holding an international conference in Cairo aimed at rebuilding Gaza following months of devastating conflict.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community.
Israel’s decision to recognize the region has drawn widespread condemnation from Somalia, African and Arab states, and multilateral organizations, including the African Union and the Arab League.
Saturday’s OIC meeting adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel, as Somalia seeks to consolidate international backing against what it describes as an assault on its sovereignty and a violation of international norms governing statehood and territorial integrity.
