22 Islamic nations, OIC condemn Israeli minister's Somaliland visit
A coalition of 22 Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have issued a strong joint condemnation of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's visit to Somaliland, labeling it an illegal act that violates Somalia's sovereignty and international law. The statement demands Israel withdraw its recent recognition of the breakaway region.
A significant bloc of Muslim-majority nations has united in diplomatic opposition to Israel's latest foreign policy move in the Horn of Africa. Twenty-two countries, alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), issued a joint statement on Thursday strongly condemning Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's January 6 visit to Somaliland, calling it an "illegal" act that breaches Somalia's sovereignty and established international norms.
A Unified Front Against 'Encouraging Secessionist Agendas'
The signatories, which include regional powers such as Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and Pakistan, asserted that Saar's trip "constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia." They warned that "encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region." The statement reaffirmed unwavering support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity, praising Mogadishu's commitment to peaceful diplomacy and pledging to back its legal steps to safeguard its sovereignty.
Demanding Reversal of Israel's Somaliland Recognition
The condemnation extends beyond the ministerial visit to target Israel's underlying policy shift. On December 26, Israel became the first and only country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state—a move that sparked immediate regional criticism. The joint statement demands that Israel "fully respect Somalia's sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity" and urges "the immediate withdrawal of Israel's recognition of Somaliland." It frames respect for international law and non-interference as essential for regional stability.
Context of a Delicate Regional Flashpoint
Somaliland, a northwestern region of Somalia, declared independence in 1991 and has functioned as a de facto independent state since, though it has never gained recognition from the UN or any other country until Israel's recent move. The Islamic nations' collective response underscores the sensitivity of border integrity in the post-colonial world and reflects broad solidarity with the Somali federal government. By mobilizing a wide coalition, including both Arab and non-Arab OIC members, the statement signals a concerted effort to diplomatically isolate Israel's policy and contain any potential ripple effects of its engagement with Somaliland.
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