ISLAMABAD — Pakistan, joined by more than two dozen countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has issued a strong condemnation of a recent visit by an Israeli official to Somalia’s “Somaliland” region, calling the move illegal and a breach of international law.
The condemnation came two days after the Israeli foreign minister travelled to the self-declared Somaliland region in a visit Somalia described as an “unauthorised incursion” into its territory.
Last month, Israel announced its decision to formally recognise Somaliland, marking the first time any country has extended official recognition to the breakaway region since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Somaliland occupies a strategically significant location along the Gulf of Aden and operates with its own currency, passport and security forces. However, it has failed to secure broad international recognition, largely due to concerns about undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and encouraging separatist movements elsewhere in Africa.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye and Yemen, along with the OIC, reiterated their rejection of Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” region, first expressed in a declaration dated December 27, 2025.
The ministers strongly criticised the Israeli official’s visit on January 6, 2026, stating that it constituted a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while undermining international norms and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Reaffirming their firm support for the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the ministers warned that promoting secessionist agendas was unacceptable and could further destabilise an already fragile region.
The statement stressed the importance of upholding international law, respecting state sovereignty, avoiding interference in internal affairs and adhering to established diplomatic practices to ensure regional and global stability.
The ministers also praised Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and respect for international legal frameworks.
They pledged continued support for diplomatic and legal efforts undertaken by Somalia to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national stability in accordance with international law.
The joint statement further urged Israel to respect Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity, comply with its international obligations and immediately reverse its decision to recognise the “Somaliland” region.